Man Arrested for Booking Motel Room for Escaped New Orleans Inmate in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. — A man has been arrested in Baton Rouge for allegedly aiding a New Orleans inmate who recently escaped custody by reserving a motel room for him, according to local law enforcement.

Vi Duc Nguyen was taken into custody after investigators determined he booked a room at the Super 6 Inn & Suites on May 26, the same day escaped inmate Lenton Vanburen Jr. was apprehended by authorities.

According to an arrest affidavit, Baton Rouge Police discovered room key cards for the Super 6 Inn in Vanburen’s possession during a search at the time of his arrest. Surveillance footage also reportedly showed Nguyen entering the motel followed closely by a man wearing clothing similar to what Vanburen had on during his capture.

Authorities believe Nguyen was directly involved in assisting Vanburen in evading law enforcement, adding him to a growing list of people accused of helping the fugitive. Nguyen is now the sixth person arrested in connection with Vanburen Jr.’s escape and attempted flight from justice.

Widening Conspiracy

Prior to Nguyen’s arrest, five others — all believed to be associates or relatives of the inmate — were taken into custody for allegedly providing material support to Vanburen Jr. Those individuals include:

• Lenton Vanburen Sr., 48
• Angel McKay, 41
• Patricia Vanburen, 18
• Tyshanea Randolph, 27
• Lenika Vanburen, 28

Authorities allege that the group coordinated efforts to shelter, transport, and conceal Vanburen Jr. following his escape. The circumstances of his escape have not been fully detailed, but officials previously received tips suggesting the fugitive may have been spotted in Natchez, Mississippi before his eventual arrest in Baton Rouge.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing to investigate the extent of the network that may have been aiding Vanburen Jr., and more arrests are possible as evidence is processed. Baton Rouge authorities also confirmed that they are working in coordination with New Orleans law enforcement and U.S. Marshals to trace the fugitive’s movements and identify all those involved.

Nguyen now faces criminal charges related to harboring and assisting an escaped felon, and additional charges may follow as the case develops.

Authorities are urging the public to report any information related to the escape or the individuals involved. Tips can be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers or local police hotlines.

Public Safety and Accountability

The case has raised concerns about security lapses and the growing trend of escapees relying on assistance from outside networks. Law enforcement officials have reiterated the importance of swift community cooperation in cases like this.

“This arrest is part of our ongoing effort to ensure that individuals who choose to obstruct justice are held accountable,” said a Baton Rouge Police spokesperson. “Harboring a fugitive is a serious offense, and we will continue to pursue all leads until everyone responsible is brought to justice.”

Vanburen Jr. remains in custody as he awaits additional charges related to his escape.