On Friday, May 16, the New Orleans police made a shocking announcement regarding multiple inmates who had escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center with suspected assistance from individuals “inside” the facility. Authorities issued a public warning indicating that these unidentified inmates should be regarded as armed and dangerous, urging residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings immediately.
Stay informed on this evolving situation by reading the latest updates on how the inmates managed to escape from police custody and the ongoing search efforts being deployed to apprehend them.
Understanding the Escape Tactics of the Inmates
During a press conference held on May 16, Sheriff Susan Hutson provided insights into the methods used by the inmates to successfully break free from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. She elaborated on the incident, revealing that the inmates executed a strategic plan that involved breaching a secured area of the facility.
According to Sheriff Hutson, “They were able to break open a door,” which allowed them to escape at approximately 1:01 a.m. after breaching a wall located behind a toilet in the jail. This statement highlighted the alarming security vulnerabilities present within the facility that enabled such an escape.
The escape unfolded around 12:30 a.m. local time on May 16, when the unnamed inmates forcefully yanked on their cell, successfully removing it. Surveillance footage captured the moment when they exited the jail through a door located on the docks. A photo that emerged from the escape incident showed a large hole cut behind a toilet, with graffiti reading “We Innocent” and “Too Easy LoL,” as reported by NBC News.
Initially, reports indicated that 11 inmates had escaped, but Sheriff Hutson later clarified that one individual had not actually escaped custody and was not attempting to flee. Additionally, police highlighted that the escape was facilitated by assistance from individuals “inside of our department,” raising serious concerns about the internal security protocols.
Troop NOLA Troopers located escapee Kendall Myles in the French Quarter this morning. After a brief foot pursuit, he was apprehended on Royal Street. Troopers continue working with partners to locate the remaining escapees and ensure public safety. #troopnola pic.twitter.com/ef5FM55YRS
— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) May 16, 2025
Identifying the Escapees: Who Are They?
While police have yet to disclose the identities of all the escapees, one of the inmates, 20-year-old Kendall Myles, was apprehended in the French Quarter of New Orleans. State police shared the news via Twitter, stating, “Troop NOLA Troopers located escapee Kendall Myles in the French Quarter this morning. After a brief foot pursuit, he was apprehended on Royal Street. Troopers continue working with partners to locate the remaining escapees and ensure public safety.”
Records from the jail indicate that several of the inmates who escaped are facing serious charges, including murder and attempted murder. Others among the group are charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, armed robbery with a firearm, battery, and various other offenses, as reported by NBC News.
Current Status of the Inmate Search: Are They Found?
As of the latest updates, police have successfully apprehended only one of the ten inmates who escaped, while the remaining nine individuals continue to evade capture. The search efforts are ongoing, with law enforcement actively pursuing leads to ensure public safety and bring all escapees back into custody.
