NEW ORLEANS — 17-year-old Carlos Taylor carjacked a woman as he escaped from the custody of the Orleans Parish Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on Monday.
On Wednesday, the Executive Director of the JJIC, Dichelle Williams, addressed the media for the first time since Taylor's escape.
“I am committed to a thorough investigation," Williams said.
A state law went into effect last month that states law enforcement and local media must be notified within ten minutes of an escape, but in Taylor's case, it took the media contacting JJIC for officials to disclose the information.
The notice came more than two hours after Taylor's escape.
“So, it wasn’t a disrespect or disregard for the law, Williams said. "It was just trying to apprehend a youth that had just got out of the facility while also trying to maintain internal order, policy, and procedure and give an account for all other youth in the facility," she said.
Williams said she was on approved leave at the time and returned to New Orleans immediately after she was notified of the escape.
“I remained in communication with my direct reports and city officials throughout my travel," Williams said.
More than 48 hours later, Taylor is still on the run, according to the NOPD.
“We are looking at some leads, we do have some information," Chief Deputy Superintendent, Hans Ganthier, said on Wednesday.
Taylor has a violent history. He's been booked with carjacking and attempted murder, and he was in court on Monday for more recent charges, including aggravated assault with a firearm.
Authorities said that Taylor escaped as he was being taken back to jail.
Juveniles are not restrained during court, but they're in cuffs when transported back to jail, Williams said.
“The restraints have to be put on outside of the courtroom upon returning to JJIC," Williams said.
While it's still unclear exactly how Taylor escaped, it is clear that the law to notify the public was not followed.
Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans is offering a $2500 cash reward for any tip that leads to Taylor's arrest. You can remain anonymous by calling 504-822-1111.
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