Manhunt underway in Houston, Texas after inmate escapes

A manhunt is underway in Houston, Texas, after an inmate crawled out of a pipe to escape, held a prosecutor’s staff member at knifepoint before jumping in a nearby bayou.

At a news conference Thursday evening, Chief Phillip Bosquez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, eluded law enforcement during his court appearance.

“It appears that on his way back from court he may have facilitated his escape,” Bosquez said.

Sanders was in custody on charges of three burglaries and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, police said.

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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the escaped inmate as Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35 years old, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighing 140 pounds. It is considered dangerous. (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the escaped inmate as Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders. (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

Bosquez said they were alerted to Sanders’ possible escape Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m.

During his escape, he approached a woman and jumped into her car, but she wrecked it a few meters away.

After the vehicle was stopped during the crash, the suspect fled the scene on foot.

That was the last time he was seen, police said.

Law enforcement responded Thursday afternoon in Houston, Texas, to reports that an inmate had escaped. (KRIV)

The University of Houston Downtown issued a lockdown because of the search, but later gave the all-clear.

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“UHD ALERT: SECURE! City center OUTSIDE police action”, the X alert read. “Go inside immediately. Lock exterior doors. Avoid windows. PD is responding.”

Harris County police said Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders should be considered armed and dangerous. (KRIV)

Authorities say Sanders should be considered armed and dangerous.

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Law enforcement is still searching for the escapee, noting he was last seen wearing orange pants and a black shirt.