Louisiana Police Searching for Inmate Who Escaped Through Ceiling

Louisiana Police are currently searching for an inmate who escaped Tuesday evening from the Marksville Jail facility.

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Carl James Ducote Jr. of Hessmer is believed to have "found and took advantage of a weakened ceiling condition, entered the ceiling, and escaped the facility" in the Avoyelles Parish Jail.

The Avoyelles Parish Sheriff's Office reported that Ducote was detained while awaiting court proceedings rather than being released on bail on charges of criminal trespass, simple criminal damage to property, and introducing contraband into a penal facility.

Dispatchers at the Avoyelles 911 Communication Center say that they received a call from corrections staff who reported that Ducote had escaped. Following the call, the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Louisiana Department of Corrections’ Raymond Laborde Correctional Center Chase Team responded immediately.

As local authorities investigate how Ducote managed to leave the property unnoticed and continue their search for him, they urge the public to remain extremely cautious.

"Sheriff David L. Dauzat has asked residents to report any suspicious activity or information regarding Ducote’s whereabouts by calling the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office at (318) 253-4000 or 911 in case of an emergency."

Sheriff David L. Dauzat says it is imperative that residents in the area ensure their vehicles and homes stay locked at all times while they work to locate the missing inmate.

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