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.
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 on social media.
Details surrounding his apprehension were not immediately available.
Sanders was in custody for three burglaries and one unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, Harris County Chief Phillip Bosquez said earlier in the evening during a news briefing.
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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said Friday morning that escaped inmate 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.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said inmate 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 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.
An update on his apprehension will be given by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office at 5 a.m. CT Friday.