ESCAPED INMATE – PUBLIC SAFETY ALERT
The Opelousas Police Department is actively searching for an escaped inmate identified as 34-year-old Michael Vavasseur.
Vavasseur escaped from custody at approximately 3:30 PM while being transported from STOA Behavioral Health back to the St. Landry Parish Jail. During transport, he was able to partially free himself from restraints and fled from the vehicle near the intersection of U.S. Highway 190 and Wallior Street.
He was last seen in the area of Cenla Street and High Street wearing a gray t-shirt and gray shorts.
Vavasseur is considered dangerous due to prior violent offenses.
DO NOT APPROACH.
Anyone who sees Vavasseur or has information on his whereabouts is urged to immediately contact the Opelousas Police Department at (337) 948-2500 or call 911.
Anonymous tips can also be submitted to St. Landry Crime Stoppers at (337) 948-TIPS (8477).
This is an active and ongoing situation. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
Chief Graig LeBlanc and the Opelousas Police Department appreciate the public’s assistance in helping keep our community safe.
Joe Anderson/PIO
Opelousas Police Department
