Inmate in Louisiana Escapes Again While Being Transported From Court After Being Convicted of Escape During Multi-Day Trial

Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana – An inmate in Louisiana escaped again while being transported from court after being convicted of escape during a multi-day trial.

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office reported on March 28, 2023, that a Natchitoches Parish Detention Center inmate who had previously attempted escape escaped a Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Detention Center Transport Van while being transported to the detention center following a 2-day jury trial.

Kenneth D. Hardy, 33, was found guilty of Simple Escape during a two-day jury trial in Natchitoches District Court, according to Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington.

According to Natchitoches Parish Detention Center Major Roger Henson, at approximately 5:50 p.m. this afternoon, Corrections Deputies were transporting Kenneth Hardy from the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse to the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center in a transport van following his jury trial conviction. Hardy was handcuffed and properly restrained, according to authorities, but while being transported he apparently manipulated and opened the door before fleeing the van.

Corrections Deputies swiftly radioed for assistance, and at 5:58 p.m., deputies and Natchitoches Police were able to search the area and apprehend Hardy on University Parkway near Howell Street.

There were no reported injuries, according to authorities.

Hardy was transported and placed into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center on the conviction of Simple Escape, as well as new criminal charges of Simple Escape and Resisting an Officer.

Sheriff Wright thanked all deputies and Natchitoches Police that were involved in the quick apprehension of Hardy this afternoon.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.