New Orleans Jailbreak: Ten Inmates Escape, Manhunt Underway

New Orleans Jailbreak: Ten Inmates Escape, Two Captured; Authorities Seek Public's Help New Orleans, LA – In a shocking incident, ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office jail early Friday morning, May 16, 2025. Surveillance footage released by authorities shows the inmates fleeing the facility after apparently removing a toilet from a cell wall to create an opening. The escape occurred sometime after midnight, and jail officials only discovered the inmates were missing during a routine headcount at 8:30 AM. "These detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department," said Sheriff Susan Hutson in a press conference. Hutson described the situation as "unacceptable" and emphasized the urgency of the manhunt. The video evidence suggests that the inmates could not have removed the toilet without the use of power tools, further supporting the theory of inside help. The escape sparked a city-wide manhunt. Two of the escapees were apprehended before noon, one found hiding under a car at a hotel in the French Quarter. Eight remain at large and are considered armed and dangerous. Authorities are urging the public to contact law enforcement with any information. The incident raises serious questions about security protocols at the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office jail. An investigation is underway to determine the extent of any internal complicity in the escape. The quick recapture of two escapees offers a glimmer of hope in the ongoing investigation.