NEW ORLEANS Chaos: Fear Grows as Seven Violent Inmates Roam Free
— Ten inmates broke out of Orleans Parish Jail on May 16. They cut a hole behind a toilet and slipped through weak security. Video shows the men removing a cell door and running across an interstate. The escape looks planned, and police think someone inside helped them.
No deputies were in the pod when it happened. A civilian observer had left to get food. The jail is short-staffed, with only 60% of positions filled. Broken locks and poor upkeep are common problems there. Officials say it will take $5.2 million just to fix the locks.
Seven escapees are still missing, including men charged with murder and other violent crimes. Police have evacuated homes they believe might be targets for these fugitives.
The public is angry about how the jail is run. Three staff members are now on leave while investigators look into possible inside help. Local leaders want answers as police search for the remaining inmates.
