An hours-long chase has ended in Houston, Texas, after authorities detained an inmate early Friday who escaped during transport from a court appearance Thursday.
Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, 35, was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Friday, nearly 12 hours after his escape during transport back to jail around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Harris County.
Investigators say Sanders was found at a Houston home believed to belong to a relative and responding officers used a Taser on him while he resisted arrest. When he was taken into custody, two others were also arrested for hindering apprehension, according to Harris County Maj. Saul Suarez.
Sanders was being held for three robberies and one unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, Harris County Sheriff Phillip Bosquez said during an earlier news conference.
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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 Sheriff’s Office)
“It appears that upon returning from the court he was able to facilitate an escape,” Bosquez said.
During his escape, Sanders allegedly tackled a woman and jumped into her car, but she wrecked it just feet away.
After the vehicle was disabled during the crash, 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 now faces 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 cleared by a doctor, Suarez added.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said inmate Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders was behind bars for three robberies 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 closure due to the search, but later gave the all-clear.
“UHD ALERT: SAFE! Police action OUTSIDE downtown” the x alert read. “Enter immediately. Close exterior doors. Avoid windows. Police respond.”
Harris County authorities said 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 further details.
Fox News’ Greg Norman contributed to this report.
