ATLANTA, Ga. (Oct. 8, 2025) — The final fugitive in a months-long manhunt following a daring jailbreak at the Orleans Parish jail has been captured. Derrick Groves, the last of the escaped inmates still on the run, was taken into custody Tuesday morning after a tense standoff at a residence in Southwest Atlanta, according to Brian Fair of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Authorities said Groves was found hiding in the crawlspace of a home near Campbellton Road and Honeysuckle Lane after a tactical operation involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The capture marks the end of a months-long search that began in May when Groves and several others escaped from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans.

Tip Leads to Capture

Investigators said the breakthrough came after a Crimestoppers tip provided critical information that led officers to Groves’ location. Following the lead, U.S. Marshals and Atlanta police surrounded the residence late Monday evening, deploying tactical units and K9 officers to assist.

Fair confirmed that officers fired canisters into the home to force Groves out of hiding before locating him in the crawlspace. He was apprehended without further incident and taken into custody peacefully.

“After the tip was received, authorities acted swiftly to secure the perimeter,” Fair said. “Through a coordinated response, we were able to ensure this operation concluded safely — without injury to officers or civilians.”

Crimestoppers Statement: ‘Justice Brought to Atlanta’

Crimestoppers Greater New Orleans (GNO) issued a statement Tuesday afternoon acknowledging the public’s role in Groves’ capture and applauding the collaboration between agencies.

“CrimestoppersGNO was very proud to be a member agency working with the task force which brought Mr. Groves to justice today in Atlanta,” the statement read. “Tips to our organization assisted with the arrest, and our appreciation goes to those individuals who have called, texted, and emailed anonymous tips concerning this incident since the escape.”

The nonprofit organization praised the peaceful resolution of the operation and credited the local, state, and federal law enforcement partners who contributed to the arrest.

Ongoing Investigation and Possible New Charges

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill confirmed that her office is now investigating individuals who may have aided Groves during his months on the run. She said preliminary evidence suggests the crawlspace where Groves was found had been deliberately built to conceal him.

“We have reason to believe someone created that hiding space to help Mr. Groves evade detection,” Murrill said in a press briefing. “We will pursue charges against anyone who knowingly assisted him after his escape.”

Groves, who was awaiting trial on multiple felony charges including armed robbery and assault at the time of his escape, will be transferred back to Louisiana under heavy guard. Officials have not confirmed whether he will face additional federal charges for crossing state lines while evading capture.

Months-Long Manhunt Comes to a Close

Groves’ escape in May triggered a multi-agency investigation after authorities discovered several inmates missing from the Orleans Parish jail. While most were recaptured within days, Groves remained elusive — sparking concern that he had fled the state.

Federal authorities say Groves’ capture was the result of persistent surveillance, public cooperation, and interagency coordination spanning multiple states.

“This was an extensive operation that required the tireless work of dozens of law enforcement officers,” Fair said. “Thanks to the public and our partners, we were able to bring this case to a close.”

Video Shows Arrest

Video obtained by local Atlanta news outlets shows Groves being escorted in handcuffs from the residence and placed into the back of an Atlanta Police Department patrol car. Witnesses described a heavy police presence in the area as armored vehicles and tactical officers swarmed the scene.

Groves was later transported to a federal holding facility in Atlanta for processing.

With his capture, the months-long manhunt that began in New Orleans has officially come to an end. Law enforcement officials praised the peaceful outcome and reaffirmed their commitment to holding anyone involved in the escape accountable.

“Justice doesn’t stop at the state line,” Attorney General Murrill said. “The message is clear — if you run, we will find you.”