The entire nation is watching Louisiana closely after ten inmates escaped from the Orleans Parish Jail in New Orleans. The escape, which happened on Friday, May 16, 2025, shocked people across the U.S. Since then, law enforcement has been working hard to bring the escapees back into custody.
And now, one bizarre arrest has taken the internet by storm—a fugitive was caught sleeping on a public bench, and the video has gone viral on TikTok.
Five Inmates Caught After the Jailbreak
As of May 21, 2025, five out of the ten escaped inmates have been captured. In addition, one jail maintenance worker and two women have also been arrested for allegedly helping the escapees.
The jailbreak has not only created a serious security situation but also turned into a social media sensation. One video, in particular, has gained massive attention.
Viral Video: Fugitive Naps in Public, Gets Caught
A now-viral TikTok video shows a man believed to be one of the escapees, asleep on a public bench in broad daylight. In the clip, the person filming walks up to the sleeping man and records him. Then the video cuts to police officers questioning the same man, who looks tired and confused.
Though the video has gone viral, officials have not yet confirmed whether the man in the clip is one of the ten escaped inmates. However, many believe he is one of the five who were already caught.
The video was also shared on Twitter by user @thenexthim with the caption:
“Get out jail and get caught on a bench is trifling” – and it quickly caught the attention of users across the internet.
Not the Only Strange Arrest: Instagram Live Leads to Capture
This isn’t the only strange way an inmate has been caught. Another escapee, Kendall Myles, was arrested shortly after the breakout. How was he found? He went live on Instagram while walking through the French Quarter in New Orleans. Police tracked him through the video and arrested him within hours.
Authorities Still Searching for Remaining Escapees
So far, seven people have been arrested—five inmates, one jail staff member, and two women connected to the escape. That leaves five more inmates still on the run. Police across New Orleans and the state of Louisiana are on high alert and continuing their search.
With unusual arrests making headlines and social media playing a surprising role in locating the fugitives, this jailbreak story continues to capture public interest.