Inmate briefly escapes from Natchitoches courthouse

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KALB) - According to the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, an inmate briefly escaped from authorities while at the Natchitoches Parish Courthouse on Thursday, April 18. Kenneth Hardy Jr., 34, an inmate at the David Wade Corrections Facility, was in court for a pre-trial hearing for alleged possession of a firearm by a felon, home invasion and battery of a dating partner. Hardy was already serving a combined 33-year sentence for separate charges, including three escape convictions. Hardy escaped Thursday morning from a first-story window in the courthouse bathroom after he was allowed a break to relieve himself. Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office stated he was re-captured by authorities after less than 20 minutes and was booked for simple escape. Hardy had previously escaped from custody in Natchitoches Parish on at least three separate occasions. These convictions date back to 2013, 2016 and 2023. According to authorities, no further details are available at this time, and the incident remains under investigation.