Mississippi jailbreak: 4 inmates escape from 'understaffed' Detention Center, one killed in shootout
HINDS COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI: Four inmates successfully breached their cells, climbed out through the roof, and escaped from the short-staffed Raymond Detention Center in Mississippi. One of the escapees, who was accused of killing a man and stealing his motorcycle while on the run, was killed in a shootout on Wednesday.
The escape was discovered on Sunday during a routine headcount. The inmates have been identified as 51-year-old Jerry Raynes, and 22-year-old Casey Grayson and Corey Harrison, in addition to Dylan Arrington, who is believed to have killed a man in Jackson to obtain his motorcycle.
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'We are actively and aggressively looking for these individuals'
Authorities believe that the four escaped inmates from the Raymond Detention Center in Mississippi are still in the state, although one may have traveled to Texas. This belief comes after a white pickup truck from Hinds County was found abandoned in Spring Valley on Sunday afternoon. "We are actively and aggressively looking for these individuals, and we hope to get them back into custody," said Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, according to ABC 13.
Update: the stolen Hinds County Public Works Ford F-150 believed to be connected to the escaped detainees has been recovered in Spring Valley, TX. No updated information on the whereabouts of the escapees. We don’t believe all escapees traveled to Texas in the stolen truck.
— TyreeJonesSheriff (@TyreeSheriff) April 23, 2023
Arrington is believed to have been killed in a shootout in Leake County
Dylan Arrington, who is now suspected of murder, was previously charged with auto theft and felony gun possession. Corey Harrison was charged with receiving stolen property. Casey Grayson and Jerry Raynes were charged with grand larceny, selling a controlled narcotic, auto theft, and commercial burglary.
Jerry Raynes, the oldest inmate, has a history of escaping from jail, including a previous escape from the Raymond Detention Center in 2021. Authorities have warned residents to be "extremely cautious" and on the lookout for the escaped inmates. According to a recent report from WAPT, Dylan Arrington is believed to have been killed in a shootout in Leake County.
Sheriff Tyree Jones has informed the media that the escaped inmate, who was suspected of murder, was killed in a shootout with state police and local law enforcement officers. "We have a pretty strong feeling that it is him inside this residence that is deceased," Jones said on Wednesday. Dylan Arrington was reportedly seen near Conway Road, and drones and helicopters were used in the search for him. During the shootout, a deputy was shot and taken to the hospital. The deputy is reported to be in stable condition.
Anthony Watts was shot several times by Arrington before he stole motorcycle
According to Sheriff Jason Atkinson, an individual came running out of a residence during the search for Dylan Arrington and reported that "he's inside the house." Arrington then started shooting from inside the residence and shot a deputy. Arrington is suspected of stealing a motorcycle, crashing it, and then fatally shooting and carjacking 61-year-old Anthony Watts on Monday. Arrington was shot several times before he stole Watts' red Dodge Ram.
The Jails' staff shortage and history of assault and deaths of detainees
According to a report by WAPT, the Raymond Detention Center has experienced problems with inmates escaping in recent years due to the lack of manpower. Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones acknowledged that they are currently short about 50 detention officers, but he stated that "that's no excuse." Jones said, "Again, we have accepted accountability regarding what happened. We just want the other people to know the responsibilities that we are faced with."
In July, a federal judge seized control of the Raymond Detention Center, citing "severely deficient" conditions and a "stunning array" of assaults and deaths among detainees, as per BBC. A public safety consultant was appointed as a "receiver" by the judge in October, with 120 days to devise a plan to improve conditions. The judge's order was stayed by an appeals court in December after local officials requested a reconsideration.