2 Va. inmates located at IHOP after allegedly escaping jail with toothbrush and metal object

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (TCD) -- Two inmates who allegedly escaped the Newport News Jail Annex using a toothbrush and a metal object were found at an IHOP.

According to a news release from the Newport News Sheriff’s Office, on Monday, March 20, during a routine head count, officials discovered that John Garza, 37, and Arley Nemo, 43, were missing from their cells. The next day, Tuesday, March 21, the Sheriff’s Office said Hampton Police found and arrested the two escapees at the IHOP in Hampton.

Authorities reportedly learned the men "began to exploit a construction design weakness utilizing primitive-made tools constructed from a toothbrush and metal object."

The inmates allegedly used the tools to gain access to "untied rebars between the walls," and they "used it to further make their escape."

They eventually made it to the containment wall and then scaled the wall to leave the area, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The Newport News facility management and engineering team are working to fix the facility’s "weakness."

Garza was reportedly in jail on charges of contempt of court, probation violations, and failure to appear in court. The Sheriff’s Office said Nemo was being held for credit card fraud, credit card larceny, forgery, possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, contempt of court, and a probation violation.

Charges for their escape are pending.

In a statement, Sheriff Gabe Morgan said, "I extend my gratitude to the Newport News Police Department, the Hampton Police Department, and the James City County Police Department for their assistance in our attempt to recapture these inmates."

Morgan continued, "Moreover, I’m thankful for the citizens who observed Garza and Nemo at the IHOP and notified law enforcement. It reinforces what we always say: 'See something, say something.'"

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• 2 inmates captured at IHOP within hours of escape from Newport News Jail Annex — Newport News Sheriff’s Office