Police search for armed courthouse escapee who tried to steal car and disappeared into bayou

HOUSTON – The University of Houston’s downtown campus has been placed on temporary lockdown due to heavy police activity in the area.

Police are searching for a man who escaped from custody at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center and jumped into Buffalo Bayou, according to Jeff McShan of Harris County Constable Precinct 1.

During a news conference about the situation, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as 35-year-old Nigel Sanders.

Sanders has a lengthy criminal history that includes assault and burglary charges as well as weapons and drug possession offenses.

Police believe Sanders was also involved in the Fighter Nation Boxing Gym burglary we reported on in May.

Sanders allegedly carjacked a temp worker outside the courthouse with a knife, causing her to crash her car. After the botched robbery, the suspect took off and jumped into the nearby bayou.

The circumstances leading to his escape are currently unknown. Houston police announced the manhunt for X, describing Sanders as wearing orange pants and a black shirt.

UHD has issued an alert urging people to stay safe and return indoors immediately.

Authorities established a perimeter in the area.

This is a developing story. We will provide more information on this page when we have updates.