Downtown Houston courthouse escapee identified as Nigel Thomas Sanders; Search HCSO, HPD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — The downtown search that drew a heavy police presence Thursday afternoon involves a person who escaped from a courthouse and attempted to carjack a prosecutor’s office employee at knifepoint , authorities said.

Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the search, leading to the lifting of the lockdown at the nearby University of Houston-Downtown.

SkyEye flew over Commerce Street near Austin Street, where units from the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office were located.

A spokesperson for the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office told ABC13 that authorities were searching for an escapee still wearing prison-issued pants.

The spokesperson said the person attempted the carjacking, but failed and instead jumped into nearby Buffalo Bayou.

Houston police also said the man was wearing a black shirt and orange pants.

Hours after the escape, HCSO took stock before 7 p.m., identifying the suspect as Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, 5 feet 5 inches tall and 165 pounds.

According to Deputy Chief Philip Bosquez, they were informed of the escape at 3:30 p.m., which resulted in the prison complex being closed. An inmate count revealed that Sanders was missing. They believed he had escaped from 1301 Franklin, the building adjacent to the criminal courthouse.

Bosquez said Sanders, who has a lengthy criminal history, was in court on three counts of burglary and illegal possession of a weapon by a felon. After his hearing, Sanders was on his way to the prison when Bosquez said he “facilitated” the escape, although HCSO did not mention details.

Sanders arrived at the building’s exit port, where an employee was getting into her vehicle. Bosquez said there he jumped in and held her at knifepoint. The woman crashed into several cars and Sanders took off on foot, last seen on the street.

Bosquez could only say that Sanders had obtained a knife from outside the prison.

HCSO believes Sanders is dangerous and poses a threat to the community, urging people to call 911 if they see him.

Meanwhile, the University of Houston-Downtown issued an alert to students and staff, warning them to “go indoors immediately,” “lock exterior doors” and “avoid windows.” UHD later said there was no longer an emergency and the situation had been resolved.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg also confirmed that the employee, held against her will, works in her office.

“We are thankful and grateful that she was not physically harmed during this incident,” Ogg said. “Once he is arrested, we hope to prosecute this defendant and seek justice in this case.”

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