Two Men Who Escaped Virginia Jail by Digging Hole Found at Nearby IHOP Hours Later

Two men who escaped a jail in Newport News, Virginia by digging a hole were found just hours later at a nearby IHOP restaurant, per a news release from the Sheriff’s Office.

As detailed by the Newport News Jail Annex authorities, 37-year-old John M. Garza and 43-year-old Arley V. Nemo were discovered to be missing during a check of inmate cells on Monday, March 20. The preliminary investigation showed that they had constructed “primitive” tools with toothbrushes and a piece of metal to dig a hole through the wall of their cell. “Those tools facilitated their access to untied rebars between the walls,” reads the news release. “Once gaining access to the rebar, they used it to further make their escape.”

The pair proceeded to scale the containment wall of the jail, and were later discovered to be at an IHOP location in Hampton, Virginia when customers at the restaurant reported them. They were promptly arrested by officers, and taken back to jail.

“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,” said Sheriff Gabe Morgan. “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.”

Garza was being held in jail on charges of contempt of court, probation violations, and failure to appear. Nemo, meanwhile, was held on charges of credit card fraud, credit card larceny, forgery, possession of burglary tools, probation violation, contempt of court, and grand larceny. Authorities at the Newport News jail are working to “minimize the chances of such an event happening again.”

Further charges for the two men are pending.