Inmate captured after escaping Mississippi jail through air duct; 1 other still on the run

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT/Gray News) - Police in Mississippi say one of the two inmates who escaped from a county jail through an air duct has been captured, while one more remains on the run.

According to Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones, Michael Lewis, 31, and Joseph Spring, 31, were reported missing from the Raymond Detention Center during Monday morning’s official headcount.

Jones said the breach occurred inside the ceiling of the recreation room, with the two gaining access to the air duct and making their way out of the jail.

After leaving the facility, the two men jumped the fence outside of the jail.

Jones said a deputy would later discover blood near where the two supposedly escaped, as well as other items that may have belonged to the inmates.

Officials said Spring has been in jail since November on parole violations and burglary charges. Lewis has been in the facility since December on DUI and marijuana possession charges.

On the evening of Memorial Day, officials said Lewis was found in the area of Seven Springs Road and Springridge Road by deputies. He faces additional escape charges.

Jones said officials are still searching for Spring.

During a Monday afternoon press briefing, the sheriff apologized for the escape, calling it “a public safety breach.”

In April, four detainees also escaped the Raymond Detention Center. One of those detainees killed a preacher and later died in a house fire during a standoff with Leake County deputies.

Another detainee was found dead in a white pickup truck at a New Orleans truck stop. The two other escapees were later recaptured.

Jones said more money is needed at the Raymond Detention Center “to be able to address some of these long-standing issues...”

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