Antoine Massey Arrested After 6 Weeks on the Run
*New Orleans jail escapee Antoine Massey has been captured after six weeks on the run. Massey, 33, was arrested Friday afternoon at a rental home in Hollygrove (Louisiana) following a tip to authorities.
Law enforcement officials say Massey surrendered peacefully around 3:30 p.m. He had been one of 10 detainees who escaped from the Orleans Parish jail on May 16. With his arrest, only one escapee, Derrick Groves, remains at large.
Massive Manhunt Ends in Airbnb Arrest
Police swarmed a home in the 9400 block of Stroelitz Street, believed to be a short-term rental. Massey had reportedly been staying there with help from unknown associates. Officers from NOPD, Louisiana State Police, FBI, DHS, and U.S. Marshals worked together on the operation.
Authorities did not confirm if anyone else was inside the home or if accessory charges will be filed. Officials say Massey has been transferred to Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, reports WDSU.
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Tipster Helped Police Catch Antoine Massey
The breakthrough came after an anonymous tip reached Orleans Parish Sheriff Susan Hutson around 11 a.m. Friday. Hutson, facing political backlash over the jailbreak, passed the intel to detectives.
“Together we made this happen, and I’m grateful,” Hutson said at a news briefing.
NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick added, “When the community believes in and trusts their police departments and law enforcement agencies, they work cooperatively.”
Officials Say Massey Had Help Staying Hidden
State Police Col. Robert Hodges said it was clear Massey had outside help. “To remain a fugitive that long, he had assistance,” Hodges said. Authorities are still investigating who may have helped him stay hidden.
A judge had previously issued a protective order against Massey, and he was wanted on multiple charges, including parole violations, car theft, and domestic abuse battery. He’s also wanted in St. Tammany Parish for kidnapping and rape.
Massey’s Past and Social Media Presence During Escape
While evading capture, Massey posted videos to social media, claiming innocence and criticizing the justice system. He even called on celebrities like Lil Wayne and Kim Kardashian for help.
His online presence led to a previous raid, but until Friday, authorities had been unable to track him down. His most recent arrest marks a major milestone in the months-long investigation.
Louisiana Attorney General Responds to Arrest
Attorney General Liz Murrill praised the arrest and vowed to prosecute Massey to the full extent of the law.
“Great work by all our law enforcement partners who have been working so hard for this outcome. One more to go,” Murrill said.
The May Jailbreak That Sparked a Citywide Manhunt
The May 16 escape happened around 1 a.m., when the 10 detainees broke through a cell door and crawled through a hole behind a ripped-out toilet. Only one guard was on duty, taking a meal break, and the inmates weren’t discovered missing until a headcount at 8:30 a.m.
Eight of the escapees were caught within days, including Kendell Myles, Robert Moody, and Dkenan Dennis. Four others were caught over Memorial Day weekend outside of New Orleans. Massey became the ninth to be captured.
Derrick Groves Remains on the Loose
With Massey now in custody, only one escapee remains at large—27-year-old Derrick Groves.
Convicted of a double murder and facing life in prison, Groves is now the sole focus of law enforcement agencies.
Officials urged Groves to surrender, warning that the search will not stop. His capture would bring the months-long manhunt to a close and help restore order after one of the largest jail escapes in recent Louisiana history.
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