Police reported that two individuals who allegedly helped a fugitive escape in New Orleans were arrested on Wednesday. The Louisiana State Police (LSP) identified the suspects as Coltney Harris, 32, from New Orleans, and Colvantey Baptist, 38, from Slidell. They face felony charges for being accessories after the fact and have been taken to the Plaquemines Parish Detention Center.
The investigation revealed that Harris had reportedly transported two escapees to various locations in New Orleans. Additionally, it was found that Baptist had communicated with escapee Corey Boyd, who was later captured, to facilitate food delivery while he was in hiding.
Shortly before this, a maintenance worker at the prison, Sterling Williams, 33, was also arrested for allegedly assisting an inmate. He was charged with facilitating a simple escape, as he had reportedly turned off the water supply in the cell from which the inmate fled.
Williams is being held on a $1.1 million bond, with each charge amounting to $100,000. His arrest affidavit indicates that he may have been coerced into assisting with the escape under the threat of violence.
On Tuesday night, authorities announced the capture of Boyd, who faces serious charges, including attempted second-degree murder and aggravated battery. Among the escapees, five remain at large:
- Renton J. Vanbren Jr., 26, facing multiple gun-related charges and obstruction of justice.
- Jermaine Donald, 42, charged with second-degree murder and weapon offenses.
- Antoine Massey, 32, accused of domestic abuse and car theft.
- Derrick Groves, 27, facing three counts of second-degree murder.
- Leo O. Tate Sr., 31, charged with robbery and multiple drug offenses.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Maril expressed that she believes the remaining escapees are still in the New Orleans area. She communicated with neighboring states to alert them of potential sightings, emphasizing that those escapees are likely to stay close to familiar territory.
This situation is ongoing, and more developments are expected.
