Louisiana Inmate With History of Escaping Jail Escapes Again

A 46-year-old inmate in Louisiana is on the run after escaping custody Wednesday night -- the same day that he was booked at the Berwick Police Department Jail. Cecil Michael Stratton and another inmate, Brandon Lee Brunet, allegedly broke out of their cells during a lockdown procedure and violently assaulted an on-duty officer before making their escape.

During the altercation, which happened shortly after 10 p.m. Wednesday night, Stratton allegedly threw a chemical cleaning substance into the face of an officer. He and Burnet escaped the jail while "jailers were securing inmates during lockdown procedures," according to a statement from the St. Mary Parish Sherrif's Office.

Brunet was captured shortly after the breakout and re-arrested by local police without incident. Stratton, however, remains to be found. New charges against both men include entry of critical infrastructure, aggravated escape, disarming a peace officer, battery of a police officer, and aggravated battery.

"Stratton is known to have violent tendencies and has previously escaped from a prison facility in North Louisiana," the statement by St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office reads, "the public is urged to use extreme caution if Stratton is seen or located. Do not attempt to approach him."

Stratton's Long Criminal History

Stratton has a long history of criminal activity and escaping custody, beginning in 2002 when he was charged with marijuana possession, resisting an officer, and simple escape. The next year, he was accused of attempted first-degree murder and attempted armed robbery.

In 2005 he managed to escape from another Louisiana jail and led police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle. After doing time, his crime streak continued in 2024 when he was accused of domestic battery.