Courtesy of Union Parish Sheriff’s Office
An inmate who escaped custody has been apprehended and returned to the Union Parish Detention Center following a series of incidents on April 8, 2026.
The inmate, Thomas C. Satterwhite, 47, of Farmerville, initially drove himself to a scheduled probation hearing at the courthouse in Farmerville. During the hearing process, he returned to his vehicle while he was supposed to be completing a required drug test. Deputies located Satterwhite in the courthouse parking area and placed him under arrest, due to having outstanding bench warrants.
While being escorted to a patrol unit, Satterwhite actively resisted and attempted to break free from custody. During the struggle, he struck a deputy before being secured and transported to the Union Parish Detention Center. While secured inside the patrol vehicle, Satterwhite engaged in self-injuring behavior and required medical evaluation upon arrival at UPDC.
At approximately 4 PM, Satterwhite escaped from the Union Parish Detention Center while being moved within the facility. According to detention center employees, Satterwhite scaled a perimeter fence, topped with razor wire, before fleeing the facility. An area search was immediately initiated involving the Union Parish Sheriff’s Office, Farmerville Police Department, and several other law enforcement agencies.
Deputies utilized multiple K-9 teams, reserve deputies, and a drone, but were unable to locate Satterwhite. The search was further supported by a helicopter from the Louisiana State Police and tracking dogs from David Wade Correctional Center. Union Parish OHSEP utilized a Wireless Emergency Alert that provided a description of the escaped inmate to inform the public and support search efforts.
At approximately 9 PM, Satterwhite was observed behind a business in Farmerville. Individuals at the business recognized him and immediately notified UPSO. Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents and a Louisiana State Police trooper were nearby and located Satterwhite.
During the encounter, Satterwhite again actively resisted by swinging a large stick multiple times towards agents and the trooper. He then attempted to flee before being taken into custody without further incident. UPSO deputies arrived a short time later and took custody of Satterwhite. He was transported back to UPDC and booked on the following charges:
FTA Possession of Legend Drug
FTA Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence
Attempted Simple Escape
Battery of a Police Officer
Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence (2 cts.)
Self-Mutilation of a Prisoner
Simple Escape
Aggravated Assault upon a Peace Officer (4 cts.)
Resisting an Officer with Force or Violence (4 cts.)
Bond has been set by a Third Judicial District judge $2,095,000, however Satterwhite’s two warrants for Failure to Appear have no bond.
This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named or shown in photographs or video as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
