Eleven Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail, Triggering Intense Police Manhunt

Inmates Escape Jail

One Captured Using Facial Recognition

Police Operation Ongoing in New Orleans

A mass escape involving eleven inmates from the Orleans Parish Jail has triggered widespread alarm in New Orleans since the early hours of Friday.

The inmates, considered “armed and dangerous,” reportedly escaped shortly after midnight, though the breakout was not discovered until hours later during a routine headcount at 8:30 a.m.

The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the jail was placed on lockdown following the discovery of the escape.

A coordinated operation involving local, state, and federal agencies was immediately launched to track down the fugitives.

One of the Eleven Inmates Who Escaped Was Captured Through Facial Recognition

Eleven Inmates Escape New Orleans Jail – Photo: Shutterstock

Hours after the search began, police apprehended one of the escapees, identified as Kendall Myles.

The fugitive was located in downtown New Orleans, where surveillance cameras captured his face, allowing authorities to identify him using facial recognition technology.

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Myles attempted to flee on foot but was taken into custody without incident by officers already on high alert due to the escape.

Authorities fear the remaining fugitives may still be in the city and could pose a serious threat to the community.

Fugitives May Have Received Outside Help

At a press conference, Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick stated that investigators suspect the inmates received assistance in their escape.

She also noted that it is unlikely the Orleans Parish Jail fugitives are still wearing their prison uniforms, which complicates efforts by the public to identify them.

Kirkpatrick confirmed that the inmates were housed on the same jail tier and face serious charges including murder and armed violence.

She added that several of them have known victims, prompting authorities to implement protective measures for certain families, according to CBS News.

Public Asked to Assist, Warned Against Harboring Fugitives

Police urged the public to assist in the investigation by reporting any information related to the fugitives.

Kirkpatrick called on anyone who has been a victim or witness in cases involving the escapees to come forward for support and protection.

“We are working tirelessly with the FBI, the Louisiana State Police, federal marshals, and our specialized unit to apprehend these individuals,” she said.

She warned that any citizen who hides or assists the Orleans Parish Jail fugitives will face obstruction of justice charges.

Manhunt Intensifies in New Orleans

By midday Friday, police were still working to obtain complete photographs of all the escapees to share with the public.

The Orleans Parish Jail remains under strict security measures as authorities investigate how eleven high-risk individuals managed to escape.

The manhunt has primarily focused on urban areas within New Orleans, though authorities have not ruled out the possibility that some fugitives may have fled the city with outside help.

Local officials acknowledge that the breakout reflects a major security lapse that must be thoroughly investigated.

Meanwhile, patrols, undercover officers, and drones have joined the search effort to secure the swift recapture of the remaining ten fugitives.

The Sheriff’s Office thanked the public for its support and reiterated that any information could be key to ensuring the safety of city residents.

The community remains on alert as investigators continue reviewing leads and cross-checking surveillance footage in search of further suspicious activity, CBS News reported.