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BREAKING: Major Security Breach at Orleans Parish Prison — At Least 7 Inmates Escape Near Downtown New Orleans

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NEW ORLEANS, LA — A tense situation is unfolding in New Orleans as the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that at least seven inmates have escaped from the Orleans Parish Prison, located just outside the heart of downtown. The daring escape, which reportedly occurred sometime Friday afternoon, has sent shockwaves through the city and prompted a swift response from law enforcement.

According to initial reports, the charges against the escaped inmates range widely in severity — from non-violent offenses such as drug possession to the most serious allegations, including murder. This range of criminal backgrounds has raised public safety concerns and triggered an immediate facility-wide lockdown.

The full scale of the escape remains under investigation. Authorities are urgently conducting an emergency headcount to determine the exact number of escapees and their identities. Preliminary information suggests that a minimum of seven inmates are currently unaccounted for, but officials have not ruled out the possibility of more.

In a brief statement, the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office confirmed the escape and assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken. “We have initiated a full lockdown of the facility and are actively working to identify the scope of this breach. Our primary focus is ensuring the safety of the public and securing the perimeter,” said a department spokesperson.

Law enforcement agencies across the city and neighboring jurisdictions have been placed on high alert. Roadblocks and checkpoints have been established near downtown, and patrols have increased in surrounding neighborhoods as authorities scour the area for any trace of the escapees.

This incident comes amid growing scrutiny over conditions and management practices within the Orleans Parish Prison system. The facility has faced previous criticism for understaffing, outdated infrastructure, and allegations of security lapses — issues that may now take on renewed urgency in light of the recent escape.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant. Anyone who sees suspicious activity or individuals matching descriptions of escaped inmates should immediately contact local law enforcement. Tips can also be reported anonymously through Crimestoppers.

As the investigation continues, more details are expected to emerge about how the inmates managed to flee, whether there was any assistance — internal or external — and what protocols failed to prevent the escape.

Stay tuned to Channel 2 and local news outlets for continuous updates on this developing story. The situation remains fluid, and law enforcement officials are expected to hold a press conference later today to provide additional information.


This is a developing story. Check back for further updates as more information becomes available.

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LAFAYETTE, LOUISIANA — Double Fatal Shooting at Super 1 Foods Sparks Ongoing Investigation LAFAYETTE, LA (June 18, 2025) — A regular weekday morning at the Super 1 Foods grocery store in Lafayette turned into a scene of chaos and horror as a shocking act of gun violence erupted, leaving two individuals dead and a community shaken to its core. The incident occurred at the Super 1 Foods located at 215 Willow Street, just a few miles north of downtown Lafayette, and has since drawn intense public attention and a swift law enforcement response. According to the Lafayette Police Department (LPD), officers were dispatched to the supermarket shortly after 11:30 a.m. following multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired inside or near the entrance of the store. Upon arrival, officers discovered two adult victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Emergency medical personnel were immediately summoned to the scene and worked to stabilize the victims before transporting them to a nearby hospital. Tragically, both victims succumbed to their injuries shortly after arrival at the medical facility. Their identities have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. However, law enforcement officials have confirmed that the victims appear to have known one another, and initial information suggests that the shooting may not have been a random act. The area surrounding the store was quickly cordoned off, and the business was evacuated as officers secured the scene. Shoppers and employees were visibly shaken, with many describing a terrifying scene of panic and confusion as gunfire rang out. “I heard what sounded like popping noises — maybe three or four shots — and then people started yelling and running,” said one witness, a shopper who had just arrived in the parking lot. “It was chaos. I saw someone lying on the ground and store employees rushing to help.” The Lafayette Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division, along with Crime Scene Investigators (CSI), has launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Investigators were seen collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing surveillance footage from both inside and outside the store. While no official suspect description has been released, LPD confirmed that they are actively pursuing leads and following up on witness statements. As of now, no arrests have been announced, and it remains unclear whether the shooter is among the deceased or remains at large. LPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Robin Green spoke at a brief press conference held at the scene: “This is a tragic and deeply disturbing incident, and our detectives are working tirelessly to determine exactly what led to this senseless act of violence. We ask for the community’s patience and cooperation as we process a large and very active crime scene.” Authorities are urging anyone who may have been in or around the store at the time of the shooting to contact the Lafayette Police Department at (337) 291-8600 or to submit information anonymously through Lafayette Crime Stoppers at (337) 232-TIPS (8477). The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and police have not confirmed whether the victims were specifically targeted or if others may have been in danger during the incident. Surveillance footage is expected to play a critical role in piecing together a timeline and identifying any suspects or persons of interest. In the wake of the tragedy, the Super 1 Foods store has been closed for the remainder of the day, with company representatives offering condolences to the families of the victims and expressing support for employees affected by the traumatic event. Counseling services are reportedly being arranged for staff members who were present at the time of the shooting. The Lafayette community, already grappling with rising concerns over public safety and gun violence, has responded with an outpouring of shock and grief. Civic leaders, including Mayor-President Josh Guillory, have issued statements calling for unity and a renewed focus on community-based violence prevention. “Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of two lives taken far too soon,” Guillory stated. “We will not allow violence to define who we are. We must come together — as neighbors, as families, as a city — and support one another during this time.” A candlelight vigil is being planned by local community groups for later this week, with more details expected to be announced as the victims’ families finalize arrangements. As police continue to investigate this devastating act, the residents of Lafayette are left grappling with the question that too often follows such events: Why? And perhaps more importantly: What can be done to ensure it doesn’t happen again? This story is developing, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.