Escaped Inmate from Louisiana Recaptured at New Orleans Hotel after Deputy Assault
Jefferson Parrish, LA (TND)
An escaped inmate in Louisiana has been captured in New Orleans after pepper spraying a deputy and stealing her vehicle, according to officials from the sheriff’s office.
Leon Ruffin, 51, who had been in custody since July on a second-degree murder charge, was apprehended with assistance from New Orleans Police and the U.S. Marshalls Service. Jefferson Parrish Sheriff Joseph Lopinto provided details about the incident during a news conference held on Tuesday.
Ruffin’s capture occurred at a local hotel in New Orleans, and the operation was executed without incident around 2:30 p.m.
Escalation of Events
Earlier, on Sunday, Ruffin was transported from a corrections center’s medical facility to Ochsner Medical Center, as he had experienced a possible seizure and required medical attention.
However, during his departure from the hospital, Ruffin instigated a commotion. As a result, the female deputy, who was accompanying him, exited the vehicle. Taking advantage of the situation, Ruffin pepper sprayed the deputy and subsequently seized her vehicle before driving away.
Sheriff Joseph Lopinto mentioned that the deputy managed to fire three rounds at Ruffin as he fled, but it remains uncertain if the suspect sustained any injuries from the gunfire.
The authorities expressed puzzle over how Ruffin obtained pepper spray, as the deputy still had her own canister, taser, and weapon.
The pursued vehicle was ultimately recovered two and a half hours later from the time of the escalating incident, as detailed by Sheriff Lopinto.
Law Enforcement Remarks
Reflecting on the situation, Sheriff Lopinto expressed, “Hindsight 20/20. We probably should have done a whole lot different, but sometimes you have to rely on the medical staff’s evaluation of the suspect’s condition. Unfortunately, it seems he manipulated the situation and took advantage of it.”
Following his recapture, Ruffin now faces additional charges, including assaulting a police officer.
Authorities are also expecting more arrests to take place as investigations underscore alleged assistance provided to Ruffin during his escape.
