This is a developing story and will be updated.
A search is underway for 9 inmates who allegedly broke out of the Orleans Parish jail. Another inmate who escaped has already been captured, authorities said.
The men were discovered missing around 8:30 a.m. after they were found unaccounted for during a routine headcount, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
They left their cells, which had defective locks, around midnight on Thursday and escaped the facility at about 1:00 a.m. Friday morning, Sheriff Susan Hutson said later in a press conference.
Their escape involved "breaching a wall behind a toilet," leaving the jail through the loading dock, scaling a wall, and running across the interstate, according to Hutson.
"We have indication that these detainees received assistance in their escape from individuals inside of our department," she added.
New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said her agency was made aware of the break around 10:30 a.m.
“A search for the individuals is currently underway, OPSO is working with local and state law enforcement agencies on the search to return them to custody,” the sheriff's office said.
The Orleans Parish Justice Center has been placed on full lockdown.
🚨ESCAPED INMATES🚨
— New Orleans Police Department (@NOPDNews) May 16, 2025
11 men escaped OPSO custody at the Orleans Parish Jail — 10 remain at large.
If you recognize anyone pictured, DO NOT APPROACH — they may be armed & dangerous.
Call 911 immediately.
ANYONE HELPING THESE ESCAPEES WILL BE ARRESTED & CHARGED AS AN ACCOMPLICE. pic.twitter.com/xxSiwd4gi0
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
The men were identified as Antoine Massey, Lenton Vanburen Jr., Leo Tate, Kendell Myles, Derrick Groves, Jermaine Donald, Corey Boyd, Gary Price, Robert Moody and Dkenan Dennis.
OPSO initially reported that 11 individuals had escaped. But Sheriff Hutson said Friday afternoon that one of the men, Keith Lewis, was still in custody at the jail and had not tried to escape.
"He had been moved" to a new cell, she said, "but it had not been updated."
Authorities said the men are considered armed and dangerous. Some of them are facing serious charges, including second-degree murder. Kendall Myles was arrested by Louisiana State Police on Friday.
Police warned that anyone assisting the men would be arrested and charged as an accomplice.
Attorney General Liz Murrill said she was calling for a full investigation into the matter.
"Someone clearly dropped the ball and there’s no excuse for this," Murrill said in a statement shared on X. "The first priority in any escape must be the immediate capture of the inmates and coordination with state and local law enforcement — but that effort cannot come at the expense of timely notification to the public, which is also critical to keeping communities safe."
"This is beyond unacceptable, and once these offenders are back in custody, there must be real accountability."
OPSO Sheriff Susan Hutson said the agency was investigating the escape and planned to review security protocols.
Authorities are urging the public to report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or Crimestoppers.
Additional reporting by Garrett Hazelwood.
