- by Masivuye Mzimkhulu
- on 10 Oct, 2025
When Derrick Groves, a 28‑year‑old pre‑trial detainee, was finally taken into custody, officers from the Atlanta Police Department celebrated the end of a five‑month hunt that spanned three states.
The standoff unfolded on the afternoon of at a single‑family home in southwest Atlanta, Fulton County, Georgia. After receiving credible intelligence that Groves was hiding inside, tactical units cordoned off the property, negotiated, and secured his surrender without any reported injuries.
- 10 inmates escaped from the Orleans Justice Center in May 2025.
- Groves remained at large for 143 days, the longest of the group.
- The manhunt involved the U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation.
- Three states—Louisiana, Mississippi, and Georgia—were part of the pursuit.
- Atlanta Police deployed its Special Operations Division and armored vehicles to the scene.
Background: The May 2025 Orleans Justice Center Escape
The breakout began on when a routine transfer between housing units at the Orleans Justice Center was compromised. Ten pre‑trial detainees slipped past guards, exploiting a momentary lapse in surveillance.
At the time, the facility—run by Susan Hutson, Orleans Parish Sheriff—boasted a capacity of 1,438 beds and housed roughly 1,200 inmates daily. The escape marked the third major security breach at the center since 2020.
Manhunt Across Three States
Law enforcement quickly launched a joint operation. The U.S. Marshals Service issued fugitive notices, while the Louisiana State Police coordinated with neighboring jurisdictions.
By early June, nine of the escapees had been recaptured in Louisiana and Mississippi. The remaining holdout, Groves, slipped into Georgia, reportedly using a network of acquaintances to stay under the radar.
Investigators traced a series of cellphone pings and credit‑card transactions that led them to a modest house on 30331—an Atlanta postal code within City Council District 6. The address was kept confidential for safety reasons.
Atlanta Standoff and Capture
Chief Darin Schierbaum of the Atlanta Police Department authorized the deployment of the department’s Special Operations Division. Officers arrived in an armored vehicle, set up a perimeter, and employed negotiation teams to talk the suspect down.
According to unnamed law‑enforcement sources, Groves emerged from the house after about 45 minutes, hands raised, and was handcuffed without incident. No weapons were recovered, and no civilians were injured.
The swift resolution was praised by city officials, who noted the seamless coordination with federal partners. "This is a textbook example of inter‑agency cooperation," Schierbaum said in a brief statement.
Reactions from Law Enforcement and Media
The capture was first reported by WWL‑TV, the CBS‑affiliated station in New Orleans owned by TEGNA Inc.. A sister‑station notice ran on WXIA‑TV (11Alive) in Atlanta, underscoring the cross‑market news‑sharing arrangement between the two stations.
Officials in New Orleans have yet to comment on disciplinary actions for the May security breach, but Sheriff Hutson is expected to review staffing protocols at the Justice Center.
Legal analysts note that Groves now faces the original charges that kept him at the Justice Center, plus additional federal counts for unlawful flight under 18 U.S.C. § 1073. "His extradition back to Louisiana should happen within the standard 72‑hour window," said criminal‑defense attorney Maya Collins, who follows the case.
What Comes Next for Groves?
Within the next three days, Groves will be transferred via interstate prisoner transport to Orleans Parish custody, where a magistrate will schedule a hearing. Prosecutors are likely to add escape‑related statutes, which could extend his sentence by several years.
The incident has also reignited debate over inmate transport security across the South. Lawmakers in the Louisiana State Legislature have already proposed a bill mandating upgraded GPS tracking for all detainee transfers.
For the families of the other nine escapees, the news brings closure after months of anxiety. "We're relieved it's finally over," said one family member who asked to remain anonymous.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Derrick Groves' capture affect the remaining inmates at the Orleans Justice Center?
With the final escapee back in custody, prison officials can focus on tightening transport protocols rather than pursuing a manhunt. The center is expected to implement additional video‑monitoring and pair guards during transfers, which could reduce the risk of future breaches.
What led investigators to the house in southwest Atlanta?
A combination of cellphone‑tower data, recent credit‑card usage, and tips from local informants pointed to the 30331 ZIP code. Once the intelligence was verified, the Atlanta Police Special Operations Division moved in to secure the location.
Who coordinated the multi‑state manhunt?
The effort was a joint operation between the U.S. Marshals Service, Louisiana State Police, Mississippi Highway Patrol, Georgia Bureau of Investigation, and local police departments, including the Atlanta Police Department and New Orleans Sheriff’s Office.
What charges will Groves face now?
In addition to the original pre‑trial allegations that led to his detention, Groves will be charged with escape under Louisiana law and a federal count of unlawful flight to avoid confinement, each carrying potentially several additional years of imprisonment.
Will the Orleans Justice Center face penalties after the escape?
State auditors are slated to review the facility’s security procedures. While no fines have been announced yet, officials have hinted at possible budget reallocations to upgrade surveillance equipment and increase staff training.
Smita Paul
October 10, 2025 AT 04:45The way the U.S. Marshals, state police, and the Atlanta PD coordinated on this case really shows the power of inter‑agency collaboration. It's a good reminder that breaking down bureaucratic silos can lead to swift, safe outcomes. Families of the other escapees can finally breathe a sigh of relief, and the community gets to feel a bit more secure. Hopefully this momentum will push the Orleans Justice Center to tighten its transport protocols so we don’t see a repeat of this incident.
Stay safe out there.