by Wesley Harris
UPDATE: On Wednesday, August 5, 2026, at approximately 5:00 a.m., the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office received a report, from a motorist, of an individual attempting to flag down passing vehicles on Interstate 20 east of Tallulah.
Thanks to the assistance of the public, Morris was quickly located and taken into custody without incident. He was transported to the Madison Parish Detention Center, where he was booked. The investigation remains active and ongoing, and charges are pending.
No additional information is available at this time.
ORIGINAL STORY: An inmate escaped from a Riverbend Correctional Center transport van in Tallulah early Tuesday morning, according to authorities.
The Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office says the van was transporting several inmates to court appearances when it stopped at the Love’s Travel Stop in Tallulah. MPSO reports one of the inmates jumped from the van and ran behind the building.
Escaped inmate Shannon Morris is 5’4” and weighs about 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a dark gray or black t-shirt, dark gray jogging pants, and black-and-white athletic shoes.
A search was launched by the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office and Louisiana State Police. Also aiding in the search are the East Carroll Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tensas Parish Sheriff’s Office, Tallulah Police Department, and Delta Marshals Office.
Morris was being transported from the Riverbend facility in Lake Providence to Lafayette where he is facing numerous rape, armed robbery, and burglary charges and other sexual assault and firearms-related offenses. He was the target of a major investigation last year after a crime spree where he allegedly committed multiple violent crimes.
Authorities are urging residents and travelers in the Tallulah and I-20 area to remain alert and use caution. Anyone who sees the suspect or notices suspicious activity should call 911. Do not approach.
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