From jailbreak through a TOILET to viral arrest video – this story has it all!
If you’ve been on social media in the last 48 hours, you’ve probably seen THE video everyone’s talking about. 28-year-old Derrick Groves was captured on camera blowing a kiss as he was being detained – and the internet absolutely LOST IT! 😮
But this isn’t just about one viral moment. This is the wild conclusion to one of the most audacious prison escapes in recent history. Buckle up, because this story is WILD from start to finish!
THE GREAT ESCAPE: IT STARTED WITH A TOILET
On May 16, 2025, Derrick Groves and nine other inmates pulled off a dramatic escape from the Orleans Parish Justice Center in New Orleans by exploiting a malfunctioning cell door and a hidden passage behind a toilet that led to an unsecured maintenance shaft.
Yes, you read that right. A TOILET. The inmates had managed to flee by pulling a toilet off a wall.
Let’s break down this movie-worthy escape:
- They yanked open a faulty cell door
- Pulled a toilet off the wall (the strength!)
- Found a hidden passage behind it
- Crawled through an unsecured maintenance shaft
- And just… left. Ten of them. GONE.
The escape sparked immediate outrage and major scrutiny over prison security. Like, HOW does this even happen?!
THE 5-MONTH MANHUNT
While most of the escapees were captured within weeks, Groves had remained at large for nearly five months.
The search was INTENSE:
- Multi-state manhunt
- FBI involvement with a $20,000 reward
- Tips flooding in from across the country
- Social media users playing detective (more on this later 👀)
The last of 10 inmates who escaped a New Orleans jail in mid-May was captured Wednesday, after a tip led law enforcement to an Atlanta home.
For FIVE MONTHS, this man evaded capture while authorities searched high and low. The question everyone’s asking: Where was he hiding all this time?!
THE VIRAL CASHIER INCIDENT
Here’s where it gets HILARIOUS. During the manhunt, the internet went absolutely wild when a cashier started going viral because people thought they spotted Derrick Groves in disguise! 😂
Random store workers were getting tagged left and right with people saying, “IS THAT HIM?!” The memes were flowing, the theories were spiraling, and honestly? Social media turned this manhunt into must-watch entertainment.
But here’s the thing: Authorities stressed that they needed CREDIBLE tips, not memes. The $50,000 reward was still up for grabs, and armchair detectives weren’t helping with wild speculation!
🏠 THE ATLANTA STANDOFF
Derrick Groves was captured Wednesday in Southwest Atlanta after a standoff with Atlanta Police and US Marshals.
Here’s how it went down:
Authorities found him hiding in a crawl space after deploying gas multiple times. This wasn’t a simple “knock on the door” arrest – this was a FULL SWAT situation.
The arrest followed a months-long, multi-state manhunt aided by Louisiana law enforcement and Crimestoppers tips. A tip from New Orleans actually led them to Atlanta!
THE KISS THAT BROKE THE INTERNET
Imagine hiding in a crawl space for who knows how long, gas being deployed multiple times, knowing it’s finally over… and then what does he do?
#playtoomuch 😆😫 Why is he like this?#derrickgroves a fugitive from New Orleans, was arrested in Atlanta and decided to blow a kiss 😗 to the officers. His nonchalant attitude during the arrest has left many viewers stunned
— The Talk Lounge Official (@thetalkloungetv) October 9, 2025
🎥 cred: Fox 5 Atlanta pic.twitter.com/FgW0ItCWu0
This is the moment that sent the internet into CHAOS.
Groves blew a kiss to the camera as he was placed into a patrol car.
THE AUDACITY. THE CONFIDENCE. THE SHEER BOLDNESS OF IT ALL! 😱
Within HOURS, the video was everywhere:
- Twitter/X timelines flooded
- Instagram reels on repeat
- TikTok edits with every sound imaginable
- Memes for DAYS
People couldn’t believe what they were seeing. After a five-month manhunt, SWAT teams, gas deployment, hiding in a crawl space – this man had the NERVE to blow a kiss at the cameras like he was on a red carpet!
The reactions were split:
Some people were like: “The audacity is actually impressive” 😂
Others were saying: “This is NOT it, this is serious” 😤
And most of us were just: “I can’t believe this is real life” 🤯
📊 THE NUMBERS
Let’s look at the facts:
- 10 inmates escaped initially
- 5 months on the run (nearly)
- $20,000 FBI reward offered
- Multiple states involved in the manhunt
- 1 viral moment that will live in internet history forever
The final inmate wanted after a brazen escape from a New Orleans jail in May has been arrested in Atlanta, according to the Louisiana State Police.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW?
Now that Derrick Groves is back in custody, he’s facing serious charges. We’re talking:
- Escape charges (obviously)
- Whatever his original charges were
- Potentially additional charges from the five months on the run
The legal system is about to come down HARD. That kiss might have been viral, but the consequences are very real.
🌐 THE INTERNET’S REACTION
Social media had SO MANY THOUGHTS:
From The Talk Lounge Facebook commenter:
“smh. I dk why his silly arse still in the states anyway!…”
The Debates: Is it bold? Is it disrespectful? Is it both? The comment sections are HEATED with people debating whether we should be entertained or outraged.
The Reality Check: Many people are pointing out that while the moment is viral, this is actually a serious situation involving someone who escaped custody and evaded authorities for months.
💭 THE TALK LOUNGE’S TAKE
Look, we’re here to bring you the entertainment news that everyone’s talking about. This story is WILD from start to finish – from escaping through a toilet to viral arrest videos, it’s been a rollercoaster.
The audacity of that kiss? Absolutely unmatched. Will it become one of those legendary internet moments we reference for years? Probably. Should we remember that this is a serious legal situation? Absolutely.
We’re just here documenting the wildest stories in pop culture, and honey, this one delivered! 🍿
🔥 WHAT DO YOU THINK?
Were you shocked by that viral arrest video? Did you follow the manhunt on social media? What was your reaction when you saw him blow that kiss?
Drop your thoughts in the comments below! The wildest comments might get featured in our next story! 👀📱
And if you’ve got receipts, theories, or just want to share your reaction – we want to hear from you!
Stay tuned to The Talk Lounge for more viral moments and trending stories – where we bring you the tea on everything everyone’s talking about! ☕🔥
