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Authorities search for escaped Louisiana inmate; was unaware murder suspect was missing until tipped off by public

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Authorities search for escaped Louisiana inmate; was unaware murder suspect was missing until tipped off by public


Authorities in Louisiana are looking for an inmate who escaped jail for the second time in a year after a member of the public tipped them off Thursday.

Tra’von Johnson.Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office

Tra’Von Johnson, 19, was awaiting trial in Tangipahoa Parish Jail for his alleged role in a 2022 Hammond-area home invasion where a man was killed and his child was injured, according to the Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff’s Office.

The sheriff’s office said it received a call just before 10 p.m. on Thursday from a member of the public who asked if Johnson was still in custody.

“Following an immediate headcount of the jail population and a review of Johnson’s movements throughout the day, it was determined Johnson escaped around 4:30 p.m. when another inmate helped lift him over the perimeter fence,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement, adding that Johnson was the only inmate to have escaped Thursday.

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No information was immediately available about anyone who allegedly assisted Johnson in his escape.

This is Johnson’s second escape from the jail in a year, according to the sheriff’s office, who said he was one of four inmates who broke out of the facility “a year ago this month.” Details about Johnson’s 2024 escape were not immediately available.

The sheriff’s office said it called on law enforcement partners for help in the search to find Johnson, alerted victims of his escape and contacted his family members and “known associates.”

Johnson is 5 feet and 5 inches, weighs 120 pounds and is from the Tickfaw area, according to the sheriff’s office. Anyone who sees Johnson or has information on his whereabouts is encouraged to get in touch with the sheriff’s office.

Johnson’s escape isn’t the only prison break that has plagued Louisiana this week.

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A week ago in New Orleans, 10 inmates escaped the Orleans Parish Justice Center, a realization that was discovered during a routine headcount. Five of the 10 inmates have since been apprehended, with the remaining five still at-large.

Sterling Williams, a maintenance worker at the facility, has been accused of cutting off the water so inmates could pull the toilet from the wall, leading to their escape, according to officials, who also said three employees were placed on leave without pay. It’s not clear whether Williams was one of those employees.

More than 200 law enforcement personnel are assisting in the search for the five who remain at large, officials said.



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Insider loans? Audit raises red flags over Louisiana orphan well program

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Insider loans? Audit raises red flags over Louisiana orphan well program


iStock.com/pandemin

A private organization entrusted with money intended to protect Louisiana from the cost of abandoned oil and gas wells used funds to make below-market loans benefiting a senior state regulator, his re…


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Driver dies from gunshot wound after Louisiana State Police chase in New Orleans

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Driver dies from gunshot wound after Louisiana State Police chase in New Orleans


NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – A driver died from a gunshot wound after a Louisiana State Police car chase in New Orleans Saturday evening (June 20), but troopers say they did not fire the gun.

Troop NOLA confirmed the car chase ended near Franklin Avenue and North Miro Street Saturday. Troopers said they found the driver shot and brought them to the hospital, where that person died.

The driver’s identity has not been released.

A Troop NOLA spokesperson said he could not confirm if anyone else was in the car, if anyone has been arrested, or if troopers found a gun.

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A spokesperson said more details will be released as a state police force investigation continues.

Troop NOLA is a special investigation unit tasked with proactive policing, traffic enforcement and crime reduction.

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Copyright 2026 WVUE. All rights reserved.

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Shelby Bordelon crowned Miss Louisiana 2026

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Shelby Bordelon crowned Miss Louisiana 2026


MONROE, La. (KNOE) – Shelby Bordelon of Iberville Parish was crowned Miss Louisiana 2026 Saturday night in Monroe, earning the title and a $15,000 scholarship. Bordelon, a graduate student at Southeastern Louisiana University, said the role is about more than pageantry, emphasizing the yearlong service mission tied to the crown.

“Part of the mission of this organization is the service behind it,” Bordelon said. “And the service is so important, you are serving your state for a year… having the opportunities to connect with others… to continue making an impact and leaving my mark on others as well.”

Bordelon, who finished first runner-up in last year’s competition, said the moment her name was called as the winner still hasn’t fully sunk in.

“It was every emotion you could think of that was running through my mind at that moment,” she said, adding she focused on preparation and perspective this year. “I really wanted to go into this year with no regrets… just really trusting in that mindset and that plan.”

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Bordelon said she hopes to use her platform to raise awareness for her nonprofit, Claire’s Promise, which focuses on combating drunk driving.

You can learn more about the nonprofit here. She will now represent Louisiana at the Miss America Pageant, which begins in late August in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Copyright 2026 KNOE. All rights reserved.



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