A pair of male inmates have finally been brought back into custody after a nice breakfast outing in the wake of allegedly escaping their jail cells by making use of a toothbrush, only to once again be re-captured at a nearby IHOP a few hours later, stated police reports.
As part of a routine headcount taken at roughly 7:15 p.m. on the evening of March 20th, the security forces stationed at the Newport News Jail Annex discovered that both 43-year-old Arley V. Nemo and 37-year-old John M. Garza were nowhere to be seen let alone in their jail cells, as explained in a statement released from the Newport News Sheriff’s Office. A short investigation discovered that the pair of men “began to exploit a construction design weakness” discovered inside of the wall of the building using “primitive-made tools constructed from a toothbrush and metal object.”
Two inmates made their escape from the Newport News Jail Annex on Monday through this hole they made in the wall. They were captured at an IHOP early Tuesday by Hampton Police Dept. officers, thanks to tips from citizens. Latest news release: https://t.co/NSF4o8Wajd https://t.co/My5TjCh2UM pic.twitter.com/tuqNI4WYlw
— Newport News Sheriff's Office (@NnsoJ) March 21, 2023
Both Nemo and Garza were subsequently allowed access to unsecured rebar discovered between the walls of the jail cells, which they then made use of to further help and expedite their escape from the building, as explained via the press release. After the pair had made it out, the men quickly climbed over the wall encircling the facility and departed the immediate area of the jail. Officials with local law enforcement were able to bring both men back in custody, however. The pair reportedly chose to make a stop at a local IHOP restaurant a few hours later in the Hampton area and were quickly re-secured.
“I extend my gratitude to the Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and the James City County Police Department for their assistance in our attempt to recapture these inmates,” stated Gabe Morgan, the Newport News Sheriff, as part of a press release.
“Moreover, I’m thankful for the citizens who observed Garza and Nemo at the IHOP and notified law enforcement. It reinforces what we always say “see something, say something,” continued Morgan.
A team of engineers built out of personnel from a collaboration between the city and the Newport News Sheriff’s Office to fix these alleged weaknesses within the facility that ended up allowing the pair to escape, explained officials. Reportedly, a full-scale investigation is still being carried out and charges for the events are pending.
