25. The escape of two detainees from the Dub Brassell Adult Detention Center in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, last week has come to an end with the capture of the second escapee, Jatonia Bryant, on Monday. Noah Roush, the other escapee, was captured on Thursday, according to the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. The manhunt began after failed head counts by the jail staff, which gave the escapees a 36-hour head start.

Noah Roush, 22, was being held on probable cause for residential burglary, theft of property, and was also a homicide suspect. Jatonia Bryant, 23, was being held on probable cause for capital murder in connection with a 2023 shooting. Both detainees have since been returned to the jail facility.

The internal investigation conducted by the sheriff's office revealed that jail staff members had not conducted an accurate head count, allowing the escapees to go unnoticed for over a day. Major John Bean, spokesperson for the sheriff's office, stated that head counts from January 20 to January 22 were found to be inaccurate and, in some cases, not completed. Multiple head counts are supposed to be conducted during jail staff shifts.

The sheriff's office acknowledged that improvements needed to be made to address the structural vulnerabilities of the facility. Steps have been taken since 2019 to update camera systems, fences, and perimeter intrusion systems. However, the sheriff's office still heavily relies on jail personnel for detainee security.

Sheriff Lafayette Woods Jr. expressed his commitment to improving systems to prevent future escapes and mentioned the challenges faced in hiring and retaining jail staff members. Budget constraints have resulted in a significant reduction in jail guard slots, from 48 to 20. The sheriff's office plans to invest further in the detention workforce to address this issue.

The investigation into the escape continues, and anyone found to have assisted the escapees in evading authorities will face criminal charges. The sheriff's office is determined to hold accountable those responsible for the security lapse.

The capture of Jatonia Bryant on Monday brings an end to the manhunt that gripped the Pine Bluff community for over a week. Authorities are now focused on ensuring the safety and security of the detention center, as well as implementing measures to prevent future escapes.