Two Inmates Escape From Prision and Escape to Nearby IHOP

John Garza & Arley Nemo, inmates from the Newport News Jail Annex in Virginia tried their luck on Monday, March 20. The two fashioned a tool out of a toothbrush and an unidentified metal object to tunnel out of the building. They then scaled the containment facility’s walls and escaped.

They were found missing during a head count in the evening and the community was alerted to be on the lookout for the two fugitives, who were considered dangerous. The two inmates fled to Hampton, Virginia, where they were discovered the next morning at around 4 in the morning.

I don’t know if they had a weird craving or what, but they were found at a local IHOP of all places. Those who spotted the inmates contacted law enforcement, who soon arrived and arrested the fugitives.

John Garza was being held for probation violations, contempt of court, and failure to appear. Arley Nemo was charged with contempt of court and probation violation as well as credit card forgery, credit card larceny, grand larceny, forgery, and possession of burglary tools.

The hole the two had dug using their toothbrush tool. *Newport News Sheriff’s Office*

The police were thankful that the people called law enforcement. Newport News Sheriff Gabe Morgan always stressed the message of “see something, say something,” which led to a “swift resolution,” as described by Hampton Police Chief Steve Drew. The inmates are awaiting charges related to the incident, while the Jail Annex is working with engineers to help minimize escapes in the future.

Sources:

LUKE FANN

Editor at The City Voice

Hello, my name is Luke Fann. I love to read and write myself into a fantastical realm, but I love all genres. Of course, such a task requires assistance from my parents and older brother. I've feasted on alligators and tamed beasts like alpacas (my favorite animal), but none of that compares to my greatest weapon: a pencil. I am an editor here for the City Voice, and this is my second year writing for it.