An inmate, Cecil Michael Stratton, 46, was recaptured overnight in Morgan City two days after allegedly throwing a chemical substance into an officer's face during an escape from the Berwick Police Department jail. Stratton and 22-year-old Brandon Brunet fled during lockdown procedures after a brief struggle; Brunet was captured soon after. Stratton — who has a history of violent behavior and a prior escape — was found lying in a boat and taken into custody. Both face multiple charges; Brunet's bail is set at $500,000.
Louisiana Inmate Recaptured After Allegedly Throwing Chemical at Officer During Jail Break
An inmate, Cecil Michael Stratton, 46, was recaptured overnight in Morgan City two days after allegedly throwing a chemical substance into an officer's face during an escape from the Berwick Police Department jail. Stratton and 22-year-old Brandon Brunet fled during lockdown procedures after a brief struggle; Brunet was captured soon after. Stratton — who has a history of violent behavior and a prior escape — was found lying in a boat and taken into custody. Both face multiple charges; Brunet's bail is set at $500,000.
02:19 PM, 11/16/2025Security
Inmate recaptured after alleged chemical attack during jail escape
An inmate in Louisiana was taken back into custody overnight Friday, two days after authorities say he threw a chemical substance into a police officer's face during a bold escape from the Berwick Police Department jail.
Officials identified the man as Cecil Michael Stratton, 46. The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Department said Stratton escaped on Wednesday while "jailers were securing inmates during lockdown procedures." A brief struggle reportedly broke out, and a chemical substance was allegedly thrown into an officer's face, allowing Stratton and another inmate, 22-year-old Brandon Brunet, to flee.
Authorities said Brunet was recaptured shortly after the escape. Stratton, who the sheriff's office described as having violent tendencies and who previously escaped from a prison in North Louisiana, evaded law enforcement until he was located in Morgan City.
According to the sheriff's department, Morgan City police received a tip that Stratton had been seen inside a residence. Officers later found him lying on the ground in a boat at a local business and arrested him overnight Friday.
"The teamwork between agencies and the relentless man-hours invested into locating and apprehending Cecil Stratton have paid off," St. Mary Parish Sheriff Gary Driskell said. "I would like to thank the men and women of all the agencies involved for the teamwork they have displayed over the past three days."
Stratton and Brunet face multiple charges, including disarming a police officer, battery on a police officer, aggravated battery, aggravated escape, and unauthorized entry of a critical infrastructure. Bail for Brunet was set at $500,000. The sheriff's department said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.