Massive Manhunt in New Orleans Echoes Yakima Jail Escape of 2020

A massive manhunt continues today for seven inmates who are still on the loose after escaping from a New Orleans jail Friday. The incident is a big reminder of a jail escape in Yakima in 2020.

THE YAKIMA ESCAPE HAPPENED BACK IN 2020

The escape in Yakima happened on March 23, 2020 when fourteen inmates in the Yakima County jail annex broke out and ran away. Eight were caught immediately and returned to jail but 6 others fled the area and were out for days before being taken back into custody.
Authorities say the Yakima inmates used large tables to block entrances to the unit and break open a fire door to escape. They then climbed a fence around the jail annex and ran away.

SOME BIG CHANGES WERE ORDERED AFTER THE ESCAPE

Police and Yakima County Sheriff's Deputies throughout the valley immediately began a statewide search for the inmates. All inmates were eventually taken back into custody.
As a result of the escape tables are now being bolted to floors so they can't be moved.
Other measures were also taken to prevent more escapes.

THE 2020 ESCAPE WAS THE THIRD AT THE FACILITY

None of the escaped inmates were considered dangerous. They were being held on a variety of charges including stolen vehicles, possession of drugs, theft and assault. It was the second escape from the facility. The first escape at the Yakima County jail was reported in 1994 when four inmates escaped from the main jail and in 2005 when nine inmates gained freedom from the facility.

MAJOR UPGRADES HAVE HAPPENED SINCE THE 2020 ESCAPE

As a result of those escapes the county spent millions of dollars in upgrading security. Since then numerous security cameras and other major measures have been put in place over the years. Since the last escape county officials say they've spent about $7 million dollars on security upgrades.
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