Escapee Rearrested After Violent Jailbreak Attempt in Union Parish

Thomas C. Satterwhite, 47, escaped custody at the Union Parish Detention Center before being caught nearby hours later.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 9:18pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a twisted, rusted piece of razor wire against a pitch-black background, capturing the harsh, gritty, and investigative nature of this crime story.A close-up of the razor wire that the escaped inmate used to scale the perimeter fence, exposing the dangers and challenges of jailbreaks.Farmerville Today

The Union Parish Sheriff's Office has released new details about the escape and manhunt for Thomas C. Satterwhite, 47, who was at the Union Parish Courthouse on April 8 for a probation hearing. Satterwhite allegedly hit a deputy while trying to break free, was arrested, and then escaped from the Union Parish Detention Center by scaling a razor-wire fence. After a five-hour search, Satterwhite was spotted near a Farmerville business and rearrested after allegedly swinging a large stick at law enforcement.

Why it matters

Jail escapes are a serious public safety concern, especially when the escapee has a history of violence. This incident highlights the challenges law enforcement face in maintaining secure detention facilities and apprehending dangerous individuals who attempt to flee custody.

The details

According to the Union Parish Sheriff's Office, Satterwhite was at the courthouse for a probation hearing when he went to his vehicle instead of completing a required drug test. Deputies said he then hit a deputy while trying to break free from custody during an arrest on outstanding bench warrants. Satterwhite was taken to the Union Parish Detention Center, where he injured himself and required medical attention. While being transferred to another part of the jail, he scaled a razor-wire perimeter fence and escaped. After a five-hour search, Satterwhite was spotted near a Farmerville business, where he allegedly swung a large stick at agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and a Louisiana State Police trooper before being rearrested.

  • On April 8, Satterwhite was at the Union Parish Courthouse for a probation hearing.
  • Around 4 p.m. on April 8, Satterwhite escaped from the Union Parish Detention Center.
  • After a five-hour search, Satterwhite was rearrested near a Farmerville business.

The players

Thomas C. Satterwhite

A 47-year-old man who escaped custody at the Union Parish Detention Center after allegedly hitting a deputy while trying to break free from arrest on outstanding bench warrants.

Union Parish Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that oversees the Union Parish Detention Center and led the manhunt for the escaped inmate.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

The state agency that assisted in the search and apprehension of the escaped inmate.

Louisiana State Police

The state law enforcement agency that also assisted in the search and apprehension of the escaped inmate.

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What they’re saying

“Jail escapes are a serious public safety concern, especially when the escapee has a history of violence.”

— Union Parish Sheriff's Office, Statement

What’s next

A judge has set Satterwhite's bond at $2,095,000, and he also faces two failure-to-appear warrants with no bond. He will remain in custody as the legal process continues.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of maintaining secure detention facilities and the challenges law enforcement face in apprehending dangerous individuals who attempt to flee custody. It also highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between different law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety.