ALERT – Prisoner on the Loose in South Louisiana

UPDATE: 10/03/24

In speaking with the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office spokesman Major Mark Leblanc, he tells us they are receiving tips on the possible whereabouts of 33-year-old Raymond Howard.

The inmate escaped his shackles on Friday, September 20 while in transport he was able to get rid of his restraints, he changed out of his prison clothes, kicked out the back window of the transport van, and fled into the nearby woods.

The man faces serious charges including third-degree rape, simple burglary, and other charges. Tips are coming in on Howard, but officials say they need more detailed information. This free anonymous service pays money to the tipster whose information leads to an arrest!

The search continues. Anyone with information is urged to call St. Landry Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS (8477). You can also anonymously give information by downloading the P3 app on any mobile device and giving information. The St. Landry Parish Crime Stoppers program allows you to give information, and NO ONE WILL KNOW IT IS YOU.

ORIGINAL: 09/2624

A Louisiana man on his way to court via a transport van was able to get out of his restraints and escape from authorities in Opelousas according to KLFY.

The man, who is still on the loose, is 33-year-old Raymond Howard. He escaped from his restraints last Friday. When the van he was being transported in was stopped at a red light, that's when he chose to act.

In his latest case, the man has a charge for third-degree rape, simple burglary along with other charges according to law enforcement officials. These are extremely serious charges, and the man is still being sought.

Is This Man An Escape Artist? 

It does make you wonder whether or not this man should be considered an escape artist after being able to escape again.

In 2023, he was being taken back from traffic court when he managed to get out of the chains around his waist and the shackles on his feet. The guy managed to run away to the drainage canals in Opelousas. With cemented drainage canals in your community, you can make it through a city very easily.

Major Mark Leblanc, spokesperson for the St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Office explains what happened last Friday when the van he was in had to stop for a red light,

He got out of his prison clothing and kicked out a window of the back of the van, and literally bailed out headfirst.

The guy ran through parking lots before making it to the woods. He has been on the run since that time.

What Is Happening When Supervising Him?

Howard has escaped custody twice. What is happening with these situations? Is this particular person not being supervised appropriately?

Was Howard aided by anyone in the most recent escape? That is being investigated. Leblanc says,

We're also not completely been able to determine how he was able to remove his restraints from him.

He adds that law enforcement is trained on proper restraints. Leblanc adds

You have to remain humane through the whole thing. You can't unnecessarily and too restrictively restrain individuals. It's simply not humane. So, there's always going to be the inherent risk that somebody is going to figure out how to evade these restraints.

The search continues. Anyone with information is urged to call St. Landry Crime Stoppers at 337-948-TIPS (8477).