LAFAYETTE, LA — A dramatic manhunt ended in an unusual and almost comical way this week after a 47-year-old inmate, who escaped custody while being transported to a hospital, was caught on a home security camera attempting to hide inside a garbage can in a residential backyard.
Authorities say the man, identified as Shon Alick Jolivette, managed to briefly evade law enforcement officers after fleeing custody in Lafayette, Louisiana. The escape prompted a swift and coordinated response from local police, sheriff’s deputies, and K-9 units, culminating in Jolivette’s arrest just a few blocks from where he initially slipped away.
Escape During Medical Transport
The incident unfolded on the morning of Monday, September 30, as Jolivette was being transported from the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center to a local hospital for what officials described as a “non-emergency medical evaluation.” While details about his medical condition were not disclosed, authorities confirmed that he was not under restraints at the time of transport due to the nature of his condition and standard procedure for such medical visits.
At some point during the hospital transfer process, Jolivette reportedly made a break for it—either from inside the hospital or while arriving at the facility. According to the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, the transport officers “momentarily lost sight” of the inmate, which gave him a brief window of opportunity to flee the area on foot.
Climbing Fences and Hiding in Trash Cans
Jolivette’s escape triggered an immediate response. A perimeter was quickly established around the area near the hospital, which sits in a residential part of town. Officers began canvassing backyards, alleyways, and any possible hiding places.
That’s when a resident on Old Spanish Trail reviewed footage from their home surveillance system and made a surprising discovery.
The video, which has since circulated widely on social media, shows Jolivette sprinting into the backyard of a home, pausing briefly to look around, and then climbing over a wooden fence. Once inside the backyard, he frantically searched for cover and ultimately chose to crawl into a large black trash can.
The homeowner, who has asked to remain anonymous, said they received a motion alert on their security camera app and assumed it was a neighborhood pet wandering through the yard.
“When I opened the app, I saw a man jumping into my trash bin,” the homeowner said. “I thought, ‘This has to be a mistake.’ Then I saw the police cars outside and realized this wasn’t a joke.”
Swift Arrest with Help from Technology
Thanks to the footage and a timely call from the homeowner, police were able to zero in on Jolivette’s location within minutes. Officers approached the property cautiously and quickly located the garbage can where Jolivette was attempting to stay hidden.
“When officers lifted the lid, he was curled up inside, trying not to move,” said Lt. Mark Duchamp of the Lafayette Police Department. “It’s not the kind of place you’d expect someone to hide, but it definitely didn’t work.”
Jolivette was taken back into custody without incident and transported to the Lafayette Parish Correctional Center, where he now faces additional charges related to the escape.
History of Charges and New Legal Troubles
Jolivette was originally in custody on charges related to theft, resisting an officer, and probation violations, according to public records. His escape attempt could now add felony escape and trespassing to his rap sheet.
“This was a dangerous situation that could have ended very differently,” said Sheriff Garber in a press conference following the incident. “We’re thankful for the swift actions of our deputies, the assistance from Lafayette Police, and most of all, the cooperation of the public. This is a clear example of how community vigilance and technology can help keep our neighborhoods safe.”
Neighbors React with Shock and Humor
The bizarre twist in the story—an inmate hiding in a trash can—has sparked a mix of concern and amusement among local residents.
“I’ve heard of people hiding under beds or in closets,” said neighbor Teresa Randall. “But in a garbage can? That’s a new one.”
Others took to social media to share memes and jokes about the incident, some dubbing Jolivette “The Trash Can Fugitive” or “The Dumpster Dasher.”
Still, law enforcement officials cautioned against making light of what could have been a dangerous escape.
“He may have ended up in a trash can, but this was no laughing matter,” Lt. Duchamp said. “Escapes like this are serious, and we’re reviewing protocols to ensure it doesn’t happen again.”
Investigation Ongoing
An internal review is underway to determine exactly how Jolivette managed to escape custody during the hospital transport. The sheriff’s office confirmed that transport officers involved in the incident are being interviewed, and body camera footage is being reviewed as part of standard procedure.
In the meantime, Jolivette remains behind bars, with no further hospital visits scheduled.
As of now, authorities have not released any additional details regarding Jolivette’s medical condition or the exact nature of the hospital visit that preceded his escape.
Conclusion
While the sight of a grown man hiding in a trash can might make for viral content, law enforcement officials say the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of police work and the importance of public awareness.
Thanks to modern surveillance technology, alert neighbors, and a quick police response, what could have been a prolonged manhunt ended with a bizarre—but safe—capture.