OPELOUSAS, La. (KPEL News) — Three inmates escaped from the St. Landry Parish Jail early Tuesday morning after breaching a degrading section of the facility’s upper wall, according to St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby J. Guidroz.
The suspects are facing numerous violent felony charges and should not be approached by the public.
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How the Inmates Escaped
According to the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office, the inmates discovered a section of degrading mortar in an upper wall area. Over time, they removed enough mortar to dislodge concrete blocks, creating an exit point.
The men used sheets and other materials to scale the outer wall, drop onto a first-floor roof, and lower themselves to the ground.
Sheriff Guidroz confirmed an internal investigation has been initiated, with jail supervisory staff preparing a comprehensive report for his office.
Who Escaped from St. Landry Parish Jail
Keith Eli, 24 years old
- Address: 710 East Jefferson Street, Opelousas
- Charge: Attempted 2nd Degree Murder
Johnathan Jevon Joseph, 24 years old
- Address: 204 Elementary Lane, Opelousas
- Charges: Principal to First Degree Rape, PWITD Marijuana, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Possession of a Firearm with Controlled Dangerous Substance, Possession of a Firearm with Obliterated Serial Number
Joseph Allen Harrington, 26 years old
- Address: 219 Ash Street, Melville
- Charges: Home Invasion, Aggravated Burglary, Aggravated Assault with Firearm, Illegal Discharge of a Firearm by Convicted Felon, Resisting an Officer/Aggravated Flight, Theft of a Firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Simple Burglary, Cruelty to Juveniles (Child Endangerment)
Harrington was recently involved in a SWAT standoff before his arrest.
What St. Landry Parish Residents Should Do
Sheriff Guidroz stressed the violent nature of the charges against all three suspects…