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Louisiana convicted killer on the loose after escaping custody by pepper-spraying deputy: officials

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Louisiana convicted killer on the loose after escaping custody by pepper-spraying deputy: officials


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A Louisiana inmate is on the run after he pepper-sprayed a deputy then escaped custody during a medical transport on Sunday, according to officials.

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The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for convicted murderer Leon Ruffin, Sheriff Joseph Lopinto said at a news conference Sunday night. Ruffin is described as a Black man who is bald and about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 270 pounds.

His current whereabouts are unknown. Ruffin is considered armed and dangerous and the public is urged to report any information related to his location to the authorities.

He had been in custody since July on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, aggravated assault with a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm, and was sentenced to life.

LOUISIANA GOV. LANDRY DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY OVER POLICE SHORTAGE

The Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office is searching for convicted murderer Leon Ruffin, who escaped from custody Sunday evening. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

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Lopinto said Ruffin was transported from the Ochsner Medical Center at 2500 Belle Chasse Highway to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center at about 6:40 p.m. following treatment for a seizure when the transport was interrupted by Ruffin creating a disturbance, prompting the escorting deputy to exit the vehicle.

When the deputy opened the vehicle door to address the disturbance, Lopinto said Ruffin used pepper spray on her, charged at her and stole the vehicle. The deputy responded by shooting her gun multiple times toward Ruffin, although it is unclear if any of the shots struck him.

It is also unclear where Ruffin found the pepper spray, as the deputy still had her pepper spray, Lopinto said.

LOUISIANA GOV. LANDRY SIGNALS PUSH FOR STATE TO RESUME DEATH ROW EXECUTIONS

It is unclear where Ruffin found the pepper spray he used on a female deputy before escaping custody. (Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office)

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Ruffin fled the scene in the marked Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office vehicle with ID number GO68 and license plate 239626.

The abandoned police vehicle was found in the Algiers neighborhood at around 9:20 p.m., but Ruffin was not located in the area.

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The sheriff’s office is working with other agencies to locate Ruffin.

This incident remains under investigation.

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This Japanese partnership will advance carbon capture in Louisiana

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Newlab New Orleans is deepening its energy-tech ambitions with a new partnership alongside JERA, Japan’s largest power generator, to accelerate next-generation carbon capture solutions for heavy industries across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast, The Center Square writes

The collaboration brings JERA Ventures into Newlab’s public-private innovation hub, where startups gain access to lab space and high-end machinery to commercialize technologies aimed at cutting emissions and improving industrial efficiency.

The move builds momentum as Newlab prepares to open its fifth global hub next fall at the former Naval Support Activity site, adding New Orleans to a network that includes Riyadh and Detroit. JERA’s footprint in Louisiana is already growing—from a joint venture on CF Industries’ planned $4 billion low-carbon ammonia plant to investments in solar generation and Haynesville shale assets—positioning the company as a significant player in the state’s clean-energy transition.

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Fed’s ‘Catahoula Crunch’ finished its first week in Louisiana 

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Federal immigration authorities are keeping a tight lid on key details as “Catahoula Crunch” closes its first week in southeast Louisiana, Verite writes.  

The operation—one of Department of Homeland Security’s largest recent urban crackdowns—began with raids at home-improvement stores and aims for 5,000 arrests, according to plans previously reviewed by the Associated Press. While DHS publicly highlighted arrests of immigrants with violent criminal records, AP data shows fewer than one-third of the 38 detainees in the first two days had prior convictions. 

Meanwhile, advocacy groups report widespread fear in Hispanic communities, with residents avoiding hospitals, schools, workplaces and even grocery stores amid sightings of federal agents.

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Business impacts are already visible: restaurants and Hispanic-serving corridors like Broad Street appear unusually quiet, with staff shortages forcing menu cuts and temporary closures. School absenteeism has doubled in Jefferson Parish, and protests have spread across New Orleans and surrounding suburbs as local leaders demand transparency around federal tactics.

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Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers

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Louisiana State Police hosts open house to recruit new troopers


BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — The Louisiana State Police is opening its doors throughout December, hosting open house events aimed at giving potential applicants a closer look at what it takes to become a state trooper.

Troop leaders said the goal is to recruit men and women who are prepared for the demands of the job and committed to serving their communities.

Troop A Public Information Officer Shelby Mayfield said the open houses are designed to make the application process more accessible.

“One of the reasons we generated these open houses was to allow our applicants to come in and get a look inside the troop, meet some state troopers from across the troop area, and ask whatever questions they may have to the recruiters who are present,” Mayfield said.

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Along with information sessions, Mayfield said the events help future applicants better understand the daily responsibilities of law enforcement and the mindset troopers are expected to bring to the job.

“We want to make sure that that trooper knows how important officer safety is,” he said. “But more importantly, we want to make sure they go out there with a pure heart.”

The Louisiana State Police Training Academy is known for its rigorous curriculum that prepares cadets for real-world situations. From crash investigations to communication skills, instructors focus on developing well-rounded troopers who can serve safely and effectively.

Mayfield said applicants must be ready for a variety of interactions, not just emergencies.

“Not everything is going to be a high-intensity, rapidly evolving situation,” he said. “You need to be able to deal with the public to accomplish your job, and that’s why we preach not just getting the job done, but being able to relate to the public so you can meet their needs.”

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The application deadline for Cadet Class 109 is Jan. 6, 2026. Mayfield encourages anyone who feels called to the profession to take the next step.

“If this is something you genuinely have in your heart to do, reach out to somebody when it’s convenient for you,” he said. “Even if you miss a deadline, never give up because it’s never too late.”

Open house events will continue throughout the month at troop locations across Louisiana. More information on Cadet Class 109 and the application process is available on the Louisiana State Police website.

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