Houston law enforcement search for escaped fugitive
Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, an inmate in Houston, Texas, escaped following his appearance at Harris County Criminal Courts on Thursday afternoon. (Credit: KRIV)
An hourslong manhunt is over in Houston, Texas, after authorities apprehended an inmate early Friday morning who escaped during transport from a court appearance on Thursday.
Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, was taken into custody at around 3 a.m. Friday, nearly 12 hours after his escape during transport back to the jail at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Investigators say Sanders was found at a Houston home believed to belong to a relative and responding officers used a taser against him as he resisted arrest. As he was taken into custody, two others were arrested as well for hindering apprehension, according to Harris County Maj. Saul Suarez.
Sanders was in custody for three burglaries and one unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, Harris County Chief Phillip Bosquez said during a previous news briefing.
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The Harris County Sheriff's Office said Friday morning that escaped inmate Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, is back in custody. (Harris County Sheriffs Office)
"It appears that on his way back from court he was able to facilitate an escape," Bosquez said.
During his escape, Sanders allegedly accosted a woman and jumped into her car, but she wrecked it just a few feet away.
After the vehicle was disabled during the accident, the suspect fled the area on foot, which was the last time he was seen, police said.
On Friday morning, Suarez said how Sanders escaped is still under investigation, but he is now facing additional charges of aggravated robbery and escape.
The suspect is also receiving medical treatment and will be sent back to the Harris County Jail once he is cleared by a doctor, Suarez added.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office said inmate Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders was behind bars for three burglaries and one count of felon in possession of a weapon. (Harris County Sheriff's Office)
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The University of Houston Downtown issued a lockdown due to the search but later gave the all-clear.
"UHD ALERT: SECURE! Downtown OUTSIDE Police Action," the X alert read. "Get indoors immediately. Lock outside doors. Avoid Windows. PD responding."
Harris County authorities said that Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders should be considered armed and dangerous. (KRIV)
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Bosquez said Sanders was believed to be armed with a knife during his escape but could not confirm any further details.
Fox News' Greg Norman contributed to this report.
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