Advertisement Authorities capture half-naked inmate sitting on top of old jail Share Shares Copy Link Copy

A shackled man wearing an orange jumpsuit around his ankles was found sitting on top of the old Orleans Parish Prison on Tuesday.The man was seen with his clothes off, sitting on top of the old jail facility.VIEW: Images from the sceneThe man was identified as an inmate, Devontay Jenkins, 18. A spokesman said Jenkins was scheduled for a court appearance, requested a bathroom break, escaped and climbed on top of the roof.South White and Gravier streets were blocked off as the New Orleans Police Department, the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office and the New Orleans Fire Department responded to the situation.Jenkins was captured at 8:50 a.m.According to jail records, Jenkins was in the Orleans Parish Jail on a multitude of charges, including aggravated battery, simple robbery, multiple simple burglaries, drug possession and illegal weapons charges.Orleans Parish Sheriff Marlin Gusman praised his deputies for their response. He also blamed the city for what happened."This incident highlights the need for a permanent holding area for inmates. For more than two years, the Docks Committee has studied the proposals, and this incident highlights the urgency to take action," Gusman said.Gusman said the city has not acted on recommendations that have been put forward by the Docks Committee. He said the city has control over the Orleans Parish Prison and any demolition or renovation of the building.Editor's Note: The Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office said the building the inmate sat on top of was the old Orleans Parish Prison and not the courthouse.Keep up with local news, weather and current events with the WDSU app here.Sign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here to sign up!13484466