May 26, 2025 – Huntsville, TX
HUNTSVILLE, TX — Two inmates who escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in New Orleans earlier this month were captured Monday afternoon in Huntsville, Texas, following a high-speed chase involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The escapees, identified as Leo Tate and Jermaine Donald, had been on the run since May 16, when they and eight others broke out of the Louisiana jail by exploiting a faulty cell door and crawling through a hole behind a toilet. The inmates then climbed a fence topped with barbed wire, slipping into the darkness of night unnoticed.
Officials did not discover the jailbreak until the following morning during a routine headcount—revealing a significant breach in the facility’s security system.
High-Speed Pursuit Ends in Arrest
Authorities in Texas received a tip that Tate and Donald were traveling through the Huntsville area. On Monday, officers with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) attempted to stop the suspects near U.S. Highway 190 and Geneva Road, triggering a pursuit.
The chase ended when the suspects’ vehicle was forced off the road by DPS troopers. Both men were taken into custody without further incident.
“This was a coordinated effort between Texas DPS and our local law enforcement partners,” said a DPS spokesperson. “We’re thankful this situation ended safely and without injuries.”
Background: A Bold and Flawed Escape
According to New Orleans authorities, the May 16 jailbreak was made possible by infrastructure failures at the Orleans Justice Center. The inmates reportedly accessed a weakened wall in their cell, created a hole behind the toilet, and escaped through an unsecured pathway.
A maintenance worker has since been arrested, accused of providing assistance to the inmates. Officials are still investigating whether the worker was coerced or willingly participated.
Of the ten inmates who escaped, eight have now been recaptured, with two still at large.
Awaiting Extradition
Tate and Donald are currently being held in a Walker County facility while arrangements are made to extradite them back to Louisiana.
New Orleans Sheriff Susan Hutson acknowledged the breach and promised a full review of the jail’s infrastructure and oversight.
“This escape should have never happened,” Hutson said. “Our community deserves answers, and we are committed to holding anyone accountable who may have aided in this escape—intentionally or negligently.”
Ongoing Search for Remaining Escapees
As of Tuesday morning, two of the original ten inmates remain unaccounted for. Law enforcement agencies across Louisiana and Texas are working together to locate the remaining fugitives.
The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Tips or information?
Contact the Orleans Parish Sheriff’s Office or the Walker County Sheriff’s Office.
