UPDATE: All Four Juvenile Escapees in Custody
UPDATE, 11:30 A.M. WGNO is reporting that the juveniles who were on the run and captured in Acadiana, broke out of the Bridge City Center for Youth just after midnight. A staff member who was hurt was treated and then released from a hospital there.
Two 17-year-olds, one from Jefferson Parish and one from New Orleans, are still missing, but the four that were in this area were apprehended.
How the escape happened, how four of the juveniles ended up in Acadiana, all of these questions have yet to be answered, but we will keep you updated on the story as details unfold.
UPDATE, 9:30 A.M.: KPEL has confirmed through a law enforcement source that the fourth juvenile escapee is in custody after crashing a stolen car near Indian Bayou. More details forthcoming.
A parent confirms to KPEL that the soft lockdown at Lafayette High School has been lifted.
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UPDATE, 9:25 a.m.: A KPEL source tells us the fourth juvenile escapee may have stolen a car and just crashed in Vermilion Parish near Indian Bayou. That crash happened on LA 700 near LA 92. No word if the suspect is in custody or what his condition is. We are working to get more details.
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UPDATE, 9:08 a.m.: Lafayette police say three of the juvenile escapees have been caught. One remains at large.
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Original story, 8:42 a.m.:
Lafayette police say they and sheriff's deputies are searching for prisoners who escaped while in transport.
KPEL noticed units police and sheriff's units speeding down Eraste Landry Road around 8:20 a.m. Wednesday, prompting a call to the Lafayette Police Department and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office.
Cpl. Bridgette Dugas with the Lafayette Police Department says four juveniles from New Orleans escaped from a car near the intersection of Ambassador Caffery and Eraste Landry Road. Dugas says Lafayette police officers are assisting with that search. She says she has no description of the escapees except that they are juveniles.
Valerie Ponseti with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's office says deputies are also assisting with the search. Ponseti emphasizes that the juvenile inmates are not from Lafayette Parish and are wards of Orleans Parish. She says information she's received is preliminary and that she is working to get more details.
Other officials close to the investigation tell KPEL that police have set up a perimeter near the intersection of Ambassador Caffery and Eraste Landry. They ask drivers to avoid the area.
A parent of a Lafayette High School student tells us the school is now on soft lockdown while police search for the escapees.
If you know anything about this case or see the escapees, call 911.
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