Houston, Texas manhunt underway after inmate escapes

In Houston, Texas, a manhunt is underway after a prisoner crawled out of a pipe to escape, held a district attorney’s office officer at knifepoint, and then jumped into a nearby bayou.

During a press conference Thursday night, Harris County Sheriff’s Office Chief Philip Bosques said 35-year-old Nigel Thomas Sanders escaped from police custody during a court appearance.

“It appears he facilitated the escape on his way back from the courthouse,” Bosques said.

Sanders was being held on suspicion of three counts of theft and one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, police said.

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The Harris County Sheriff’s Office identified the escaped inmate as Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders. (Harris County Sheriff’s Office)

Bosques said he was alerted at 3:30pm on Thursday that Sanders might be on the run.

During his escape, the man accosted a woman and jumped into her car, which she then destroyed just a few feet away.

After the vehicle broke down during the accident, the suspect fled the scene on foot.

Police say that was the last time he was seen.

Police were called to Houston, Texas, on Thursday afternoon after reports of an escaped inmate. (Crive)

The University of Houston Downtown issued a lockdown to allow for the search, but later lifted it.

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“UHD ALERT: STAY SAFE! POLICE ACTIVITY OUTSIDE DOWNTOWN” X-Alert It reads: “Go inside immediately and lock your outside doors. Stay away from windows. Police will be responding.”

Harris County police said Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders is considered armed and dangerous. (Crive)

Authorities have said Sanders should be considered armed and dangerous.

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Authorities are still searching for the fugitive, who was last seen wearing orange trousers and a black shirt.