Escaped New Orleans Inmate Captured After 5 Months on the Run
In a significant development, Louisiana State Police confirmed that the last of the 10 inmates who escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in May has been apprehended. Derrick Groves, 28, was taken into custody in Atlanta, Georgia, after a brief standoff with police.
According to CBS News and BBC's US partner, police released several gas canisters into a house where Groves was believed to be hiding before finding him in a crawl space. The inmates had fled the jail by ripping a toilet from the wall and breaking metal bars around the hole in the wall, allowing them to climb down a hall and run across a highway.
"We are relieved that this case has been closed," said Louisiana State Police Colonel Mike Edmonson. "The capture of Derrick Groves brings an end to a five-month manhunt, and we appreciate the tireless efforts of our law enforcement partners in bringing him to justice."
The inmates' escape was made easier by a design flaw in the jail's construction, which allowed them to access a crawl space behind the toilet. The sheriff's office had previously acknowledged that the wall was not designed to withstand such an attempt.
The 10 inmates, including Groves, had scrawled messages into the wall above the hole, including "To Easy LoL" and a smiley face with its tongue sticking out. These messages sparked controversy over the ease of their escape and raised questions about the security measures in place at the jail.
"This incident highlights the need for regular security audits and updates to ensure that our facilities are equipped to prevent such escapes," said Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman. "We will be conducting a thorough review of our procedures to identify areas for improvement."
The capture of Groves brings an end to a high-profile case that drew national attention. The inmates' escape was seen as a major embarrassment for the jail and raised concerns about public safety.
As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to emerging technologies, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in robust security measures and staying ahead of potential threats.
Background
The Orleans Parish Justice Center is a maximum-security facility that houses some of the city's most violent offenders. The jail has faced criticism over its design and security features, with some experts arguing that it was vulnerable to escape attempts.
In May, the 10 inmates broke out of the jail by exploiting a weakness in the wall behind a toilet. They then made their way across the highway and into the surrounding neighborhoods, sparking a massive manhunt.
Additional Perspectives
The capture of Groves has been welcomed by local residents who had grown concerned about public safety during the five-month manhunt. "We're just glad that it's over," said one resident. "It was a scary time for our community."
As law enforcement agencies continue to grapple with the implications of this incident, experts are calling for greater investment in security measures and regular audits to prevent similar escapes.
Current Status
The capture of Groves brings an end to a high-profile case that drew national attention. The inmates' escape was seen as a major embarrassment for the jail and raised concerns about public safety.
As law enforcement agencies continue to adapt to emerging technologies, this incident serves as a reminder of the importance of investing in robust security measures and staying ahead of potential threats.
The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office has announced that it will be conducting a thorough review of its procedures to identify areas for improvement. The Louisiana State Police have also pledged to enhance their training programs to better prepare officers for high-stakes situations like this one.
In the meantime, residents are breathing a sigh of relief now that the manhunt is over and justice has been served.
*Reporting by Bbc.*