ST. LANDRY PARISH, La. ( KLFY ) — An Opelousas inmate is on the run after escaping custody on Friday, but this isn’t his first time. His last escape happened nearly two years ago.
Raymond Howard, 33, first escaped from the St. Landry Parish courthouse in January 2023. He was incarcerated then for simple battery of the infirm and four bench warrants.
This time around, he was in jail for numerous charges, including third-degree rape and simple burglary.
According to authorities, Howard was inside a transport van with other inmates. While the van was stopped at a red light in Opelousas, he allegedly kicked out a window and escaped.
“He got out of his prison clothing and kicked out a window of the back of the van, and literally bailed out headfirst,” said Maj. Mark LeBlanc, of St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office.
That was on Friday. According to the sheriff’s office, Howard ran through parking lots and neighborhoods before entering the woods. Investigators don’t know yet if he has had help.