2 Inmates Dig Out Of VA Jail With Toothbrush, Go To IHOP: Sheriff

NEWPORT NEWS, VA — Two Newport News Jail Annex inmates accused of escaping Monday using a toothbrush to dig themselves out were found at an IHOP in the next town over, according to the Newport News Sheriff's Office.

The two men, John Garza, 37, and Arley Nemo, 43, were discovered missing during a Monday evening headcount before being caught and arrested at the IHOP in Hampton early Tuesday morning, according to officials.

Officials said the two men "exploited a construction design weakness" using primitive tools made from a toothbrush and metal object to access untied rebars between the walls.

Once outside, Garza and Nemo scaled the wall and took off, walking seven miles to the restaurant, according to officials.

The sheriff's office said that in response to the escape, a Newport News facility management and engineering team are reviewing and formulating ways to mitigate the facility's weakness.

Garza, who lives in Hampton, had been in custody on several charges including contempt of court, probation violations, and failure to appear, officials said. Nemo, a Gloucester resident, was being held on numerous charges including credit card fraud, credit card larceny, forgery, possession of burglary tools, grand larceny, contempt of court, and probation violation.

Charges related to the escape are pending.

“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,” Sheriff Gabe Morgan wrote in the news release. “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.'"