New Orleans, LA — In a dramatic turn of events in the ongoing manhunt for escaped inmates from the Orleans Justice Center, the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has confirmed the arrest of a second woman believed to be involved in aiding the fugitives. The arrest marks a significant development in the investigation that has captured the attention of the city and intensified pressure on law enforcement to locate the escapees and dismantle any network facilitating their flight from justice.
According to NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick, officers apprehended the suspect late Thursday evening following a coordinated operation based on leads gathered through surveillance footage, phone records, and community tips. The woman, whose identity has not yet been released pending formal charges, is alleged to have provided transportation, shelter, and potentially other resources to at least one of the escaped inmates.
“This is a crucial breakthrough in our investigation,” said Superintendent Kirkpatrick during a late-night press briefing. “Our officers and federal partners have been working tirelessly, and this arrest is a direct result of our relentless efforts to bring everyone connected to this escape to justice.”
The escape, which occurred earlier this week, involved two inmates who reportedly manipulated a weak point in the jail’s infrastructure to make their way out of the facility. The incident has sparked criticism of the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office and renewed scrutiny over jail conditions and security protocols.
The first woman suspected of assisting the escapees was arrested on Tuesday. Authorities allege that she served as the initial getaway driver, helping the inmates leave the immediate vicinity of the jail undetected. This second arrest is believed to widen the scope of the escape network and suggests that the inmates may have received ongoing help in evading capture.
While NOPD has not disclosed the precise nature of the assistance provided by the latest suspect, sources close to the investigation suggest she may have helped secure accommodations for the fugitives and acted as a liaison to coordinate further movement. The suspect was reportedly apprehended at a residence in the 9th Ward, where she was found in possession of materials believed to be linked to the fugitives, including burner phones and cash.
Authorities are now probing whether the woman had any prior connections to the inmates before their incarceration, and if a broader support network exists. The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service are continuing to assist in the investigation, which has now expanded across state lines.
“This is not just about a jailbreak — this is about individuals who are actively undermining public safety,” said U.S. Marshal Thomas Foster. “Anyone caught aiding or abetting these criminals will face the full weight of the law.”
The Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has faced mounting calls to address long-standing concerns about staffing shortages, deteriorating infrastructure, and procedural lapses — all of which critics say contributed to the escape.
City Councilmember Helena Moreno issued a statement urging a comprehensive review: “We must not only recapture these individuals, but we must also ensure that this never happens again. The safety of our residents and the integrity of our criminal justice system are at stake.”
As of Friday morning, both escapees remain at large. Law enforcement is urging anyone with information on their whereabouts or those potentially helping them to come forward. A reward of up to $10,000 is being offered for tips leading to their capture.
NOPD has assured the public that every available resource is being deployed to locate the fugitives and bring all responsible parties to justice. Patrols have been increased in areas where the inmates were last seen, and checkpoints have been set up at major city exits.
More updates are expected as the investigation continues to unfold. Authorities stress that this remains an active and fluid situation.
This story is developing.
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