ABBEVILLE, La. — Authorities have confirmed that escaped inmate Gavin Garnica is back in custody, bringing a tense multi-day manhunt to a close. Sheriff Eddie Langlinais announced that Garnica was apprehended at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Friday (December 5), along Interstate 10 west of Lafayette.
Garnica had escaped from the Vermilion Parish Correctional Center late the night of December 3, triggering an extensive search involving local, state, and federal agencies.
Capture Along I 10 Near Lafayette
According to the Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office, deputies and partner agencies located Garnica along a stretch of I-10 west of Lafayette. He was taken into custody without further incident. Sheriff Langlinais expressed gratitude to all agencies whose swift response and coordinated efforts led to Garnica’s capture.
Further details regarding the exact circumstances of the apprehension are expected to be released as the investigation continues.
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Why Authorities Limited Public Updates
In a detailed follow up statement, the sheriff’s office explained that investigators quickly determined Garnica had left Vermilion Parish shortly after escaping. However, officials chose not to release that information publicly, citing concerns that doing so could jeopardize the ongoing operation…