Vidalia — A prison inmate who escaped from guards in Ferriday was arrested Friday morning when a Walmart associate recognized the inmate and called the police.

Melvin Videau, 28, was being transported from Tensas Parish to Avoyelles Parish Thursday evening when he escaped from prison guards while they were refueling their vehicle at Delta Fuels in Ferriday.

Concordia Parish Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy David Hedrick said Videau told the drivers his pants were caught on the door. When the drivers opened the door, Videau pushed the door open and one of the prison guards to the ground.

Videau escaped on foot while wearing prison attire and flexible restraints, similar to handcuffs.

Deputies went door to door and canvassed areas of Ferriday throughout the night, Hedrick said.

At approximately 8:45 a.m. Friday, the Vidalia Police Department received a telephone call from the owner of Weeks Furniture Store in Vidalia, who said he had seen Videau in one of the delivery trucks parked behind the store.

The business owner told police he saw Videau cross Carter Street heading toward Walmart.

Vidalia store manager Wayne Lewis said an associate spotted Videau at approximately 9 a.m. in the pharmacy section of the store and immediately called the police.

“Everybody was Johnny-on-the-Spot,” Lewis said. “We’re just glad no one was hurt.”

Vidalia officers Sgt. Ronnie Coleman and Clint Robinson apprehended Videau inside Walmart and took him into custody without incident.

Videau was arrested and charged with simple escape. He was transferred to the Concordia Corrections Facility for confinement until his transport to Avoyelles Parish.

Videau was currently serving time for aggravated burglary and possession of contraband. He has previous convictions for unauthorized use of a movable, possession of schedule II drugs, simple criminal damage to property and aggravated battery.

Vidalia Police Chief Arthur Lewis commended his officers for quickly and safely apprehending Videau.

“They did an excellent job working together to bring him in without any incident,” Lewis said. “Keeping the residents of Vidalia safe was and is always the No. 1 priority.”

Hedrick said Videau has family in Ferriday and believes Videau might have gotten a ride to Vidalia sometime through the night.

“We’re just thankful everything came to an end peacefully,” Hedrick said. “It’s a great example of what happens when law enforcement agencies are able to work together for the same common goal.”