Two inmates in Virginia broke out of Newport News Jail using a toothbrush and a metal object but were found at a nearby IHOP restaurant the following morning.
The two men, John M. Garza, aged 37, and Arley V. Nemo, aged 43, were discovered missing from their cell in the Newport News jail annex during a routine head count on the evening of Monday 21st March 2023, according to a statement from the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.
A preliminary investigation revealed that the two inmates used tools made from a toothbrush and a metal object to create a hole in the wall of their cell, allowing them to access rebars between the walls.
They then used the rebar to further their escape, eventually scaling a containment wall around the jail.
Authorities quickly asked for the public’s help in finding the escaped inmates.
The two men were taken into custody again early on Tuesday 22nd March 2023 after being spotted at an IHOP restaurant in Hampton, approximately 7 miles from the jail.
Other patrons at the restaurant had called the police after recognising the men from the news reports.
The two inmates are likely to face additional charges related to their escape.
