A search is currently underway in Jefferson Parish for Leon Ruffin, a 51-year-old man who managed to flee deputies' custody during transport back to the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. The incident occurred on Sunday, February 25, around 6:40 p.m. as Ruffin was being taken from Ochsner West Bank campus. Allegedly, Ruffin pepper sprayed the escorting deputy, prompting the deputy to fire her service weapon three times toward him. The suspect then escaped in a marked JPSO unit with ID number GO68 and license plate number 239626. The vehicle was discovered abandoned in Algiers at 9:20 p.m., with Ruffin nowhere to be found.

Sheriff Joe Lopinto addressed the situation in a press conference on Sunday evening, expressing doubts about Ruffin's claimed injuries and state of health, stating, "I really don't believe that he has anything to lose." Described as an approximately 5′9″ tall, 270 lb black male with a bald head, Ruffin was awaiting trial for second-degree murder.

With Ruffin's current whereabouts unknown, authorities emphasize that he is to be considered armed and dangerous. A press conference has been scheduled for Tuesday at noon to provide updates on the ongoing search. Any individual with information is urged to contact 911. Stay tuned to Fox 8 for further developments on this developing story.