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Seven Inmates Charged with Attempted Escape from Newport News City Jail

The Newport News City Jail, where recent escape attempts raised questions about security.

News Summary

Seven inmates at the Newport News City Jail face charges of attempted escape following a failed coordinated effort to break out during a routine head count. The charges, classified as a Class 6 felony, could result in up to five years in prison. The inmates allegedly damaged jail property while trying to assist each other’s escape. Details remain unclear on how they managed to open their cell doors, and security footage captured the incident. The case raises serious questions about jail security measures. Preliminary hearings are scheduled.

Newport News – Seven inmates at the Newport News City Jail have been charged with attempted escape following a coordinated effort to break out of their cells during a routine head count on July 2. The charges, which are classified as a Class 6 felony, carry a potential penalty of up to five years in prison.

The incident transpired on a Wednesday afternoon, shortly after 1:00 PM, when the jail staff were conducting a head count of the inmates. All seven individuals are accused of damaging jail property with the intention of aiding each other’s escape or compromising the facility’s security. Specific details regarding how the inmates were able to open their cell doors remain unclear.

The Newport News Sheriff’s Office, which manages the city jail, has chosen not to comment publicly on the ongoing case. Security footage has revealed that the first individual to make an attempt was Jordan L. Blue, aged 22, who was seen trying to open other inmates’ cells at approximately 1:00 PM. Blue is currently awaiting trial on multiple serious charges, including abduction, armed robbery, and burglary.

Following closely behind, Daniel T. Bowles, aged 35, was observed pushing his cell door open at the same time and is awaiting trial for a conspiracy case related to carjacking. Shortly thereafter, around 1:07 PM, Trevon D. Avery, aged 25, was caught on surveillance attempting to open other cells; he faces ongoing charges of armed robbery and assault.

Another inmate, Sayvion K. Jones, aged 18, was seen leaving his cell at 1:08 PM, with charges including attempted malicious wounding pending against him. Meanwhile, Darius T. Baskert, aged 21, was recorded outside his cell at 1:09 PM and is also awaiting trial on multiple charges of robbery and firearm offenses.

Additionally, Eric T. Davis, aged 36, can be seen on the footage at 1:10 PM attempting to breach other inmates’ cells and is involved in a case of domestic strangulation. Lastly, Antonio D. Hopes, aged 36, is also charged; however, details regarding his specific case remain unavailable.

All seven inmates are scheduled to have preliminary hearings on October 16 in General District Court. The jail’s incident raises serious questions about security protocols within the facility and the measures in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

The Newport News City Jail plays a critical role in the local criminal justice system and is responsible for the custody and rehabilitation of individuals currently facing charges. With these attempted escape allegations, both the public and the authorities will be closely watching how the situation unfolds and the steps taken to ensure safety and security within the jail.