Two inmates sparked a manhunt after digging a tunnel out of prison using a toothbrush

Two inmates were found at a Virginia IHOP after escaping from prison through a tunnel they dug up from tools made from a toothbrush.

Arley V. Nemo, 43, and John M. Garza, 37, were reported missing from the Newport News Jail Annex during a headcount Monday at 7pm.

The preliminary finding showed the inmates found a ‘design weakness’ in the jail’s architecture and used ‘primitive-made tools’ created from a metal object and toothbrush to break their way out, according to the Newport News Sheriff’s Office.

The two were able to make their way through the wall and found ‘untied rebars’ they later utilized to successfully flee.

And there was seemingly only one thing on their minds as they made a break for it – as Nemo and Garza made their way straight to freshly stacked pancakes at a Hampton IHOP, where they were busted by patrons. Police arrested the inmates early Tuesday morning.

Arley V. Nemo, 43, and John M. Garza, 37, were reported missing from the Newport News Jail Annex during a headcount Monday at 7pm. Pictured: Arley Nemo

The preliminary finding showed the inmates found a ‘design weakness’ in the jail’s architecture and used ‘primitive-made tools’ created from a metal object and toothbrush to break their way out. Pictured: John Garza

Nemo and Garza haven’t been formally charged for escaping the facility and officials are working to ensure it never happens again. 

‘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 said. 

‘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.”‘ 

It is unclear how long the two have been in prison, but officers said Gaza is a Hampton resident, who was arrested for probation violations, contempt of court and failure to appear. 

Meanwhile, Nemo, who is from Gloucester, was in prison for several charges, such as credit card fraud, larceny, forgery, contempt of court, possession of burglary tools, grand larceny and probation violation.

The Newport News Sheriff’s Department wasn’t immediately available for comment. 

Nemo and Garza then made their way to a Hampton IHOP (above) and were reported by patrons shortly after. Police arrested the inmates early Tuesday morning

Nemo and Garza haven’t been formally charged for escaping the facility and officials are working to ensure it never happens again. Pictured: Newport News Jail