The multi-state manhunt for the last of ten
ATLANTA — The last of ten inmates who escaped from a New Orleans correctional facility last month has been apprehended in Atlanta, ending a multi-state manhunt that spanned several weeks. Derrick Groves, 32, was taken into custody on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, without incident by a task force comprising U.S. Marshals and local law enforcement.
Groves was the final fugitive sought in connection with the September 15, 2025, mass escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center. The escape, which garnered significant national attention, saw ten individuals breach a perimeter fence during a recreation yard period, exploiting what authorities described as a lapse in security protocols during a shift change.
The Initial Escape and Subsequent Recaptures
The escape triggered an immediate and extensive search operation involving federal, state, and local agencies. Within days of the breakout, several of the escapees were recaptured in the New Orleans metropolitan area. Others were tracked down in neighboring states, including Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas, through coordinated efforts and intelligence sharing.
Law enforcement officials had consistently expressed their commitment to apprehending all ten individuals. “The apprehension of Mr. Groves brings a definitive close to a challenging and high-profile manhunt,” stated William Chen, a spokesperson for the U.S. Marshals Service. “We are relieved to have all ten individuals back in custody and appreciate the tireless work of our partners across multiple states to ensure public safety.”
Apprehension in Atlanta
Groves’s capture took place at approximately 7:30 a.m. EST at a residence in the southwest Atlanta area. Authorities had developed intelligence indicating Groves’s presence in the city for several days and moved in after confirming his location. No injuries were reported during the arrest.
He is expected to face additional charges related to his escape, in addition to the original charges for which he was being held in New Orleans. Groves will undergo an initial court appearance in Atlanta before being extradited back to Louisiana.
Legal Ramifications
The incident at the Orleans Parish Justice Center has prompted an internal investigation into the circumstances that allowed such a large-scale escape to occur. Officials have not yet released full details of any disciplinary actions or system changes implemented following the September 15 event, but they have assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences.
The recapture of Derrick Groves marks the successful conclusion of efforts to return all fugitives to custody, bringing an end to the nearly month-long search.
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