Share and Follow
The Louisiana State Police revealed on Saturday that all eight inmates who had fled the Riverbend Detention Center were successfully recaptured. The escape, which occurred early Friday in East Carroll Parish, had sparked widespread concern.
The inmates, all classified as “violent offenders,” made their daring escape from the facility in northeast Louisiana at approximately 1:20 a.m. on Friday. Their breakout prompted an immediate and intense manhunt by authorities.
By the end of Friday, law enforcement had already apprehended five of the fugitives. The remaining three were captured by early Saturday, bringing a sigh of relief to the community and authorities alike.
The inmates who were on the run were identified as Savion Wheeler, 31; Hugo Molina, 27; Trenton Taplin, 29; Kolin Loney, 21; Kevin Slaughter Jr., 25; Destin Brogan, 22; Krisean Salinas, 21; and Kopelon Vicknair, 19.
The Louisiana State Police also released photographs of the escapees, hoping the public could aid in their swift recapture. Fortunately, the coordinated efforts of law enforcement ensured their return to custody.
State police said the final four fugitives arrested — Loney, Slaughter, Brogan and Vicknair — were taken Saturday to the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Louisiana, where they joined the other five captured inmates.
It is unclear how the men — three of whom are facing murder charges — escaped.
The apprehensions followed a Louisiana State Police CREST mission carried out in coordination with the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office, East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ouachita Parish Sheriff’s Office, Alexandria Police Department, Yazoo City Police Department, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Probation and Parole, U.S. Marshals Service, and FBI.
The fugitives were loaded onto a helicopter after their capture. (Louisiana State Police)
“We often speak about partnerships, collaboration, and the law enforcement family—standing shoulder to shoulder, especially in times of need. This past week tested that commitment, with challenges ranging from a severe winter storm to the escape of eight violent fugitives from the Riverbend Detention Center in East Carroll Parish,” state police wrote in a Facebook post.
Fugitives were pictured being walked to a helicopter after their capture. (Louisiana State Police)
“Throughout it all, law enforcement officers and first responders across Louisiana stood strong and united. Agencies worked seamlessly to protect residents and visitors, maintain public safety, and ultimately apprehend all eight fugitives,” they continued. “We are proud of what was accomplished together and remain committed to standing united to protect the public—no matter the challenge. One Team. One Dream. One Louisiana.”
A group of law enforcement officers were pictured near a helicopter used to transport the Louisiana fugitives. (Louisiana State Police)
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill applauded law enforcement’s efforts, calling their work “outstanding.”
“Thank you @LAStatePolice and to all our sheriffs and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding work in quickly recapturing the fugitives from the Riverbend Detention Center,” Murrill wrote in an X post.