A manhunt is underway in Houston, Texas for an escaped inmate named Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, who held a staff member at knifepoint during his escape from the courthouse on June 13, 2024. Sanders was being held on charges of burglary and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon.
According to reports, Sanders accosted a woman as he escaped from the courthouse and got into her car. However, she managed to crash the car just a few feet away, allowing him to run away.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office identified Sanders as a dangerous individual and urged people to call 911 if they see him. He is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds.
Multiple law enforcement agencies are involved in the search, prompting a lockdown at the nearby University of Houston-Downtown. The Harris County Sheriff's Office and Houston Police Department are working together to locate Sanders.
Sanders was last seen wearing orange pants and a black shirt.
The incident occurred at 1301 Franklin Street courthouse around 3:30 p.m. local time, according to Assistant Chief Philip Bosquez of the Harris County Sheriff's Office.
Sanders has a lengthy criminal history and was in court for three burglary counts and an unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon charge before his escape.
The University of Houston-Downtown issued an alert to students and staff, warning them to 'get indoors immediately, lock outside doors, and avoid windows.' UHD later said there was no longer an emergency and the situation was cleared.
Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg confirmed that the employee held against her will during Sanders' escape works in her office. She expressed gratitude for the employee's safety and stated that they would prosecute Sanders once he is arrested.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office believes Sanders is still in the area and should be considered armed and dangerous.
