Inmate Escapes Houston Courthouse After Holding Staffer at Knifepoint

Authorities are intensifying the search for a fugitive who fled from custody during a court appearance in Houston on Thursday. The escape took place at 1301 Franklin Street courthouse around 3:30 p.m. local time. The inmate, identified as 35-year-old Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders, was facing charges related to three burglaries and unlawful possession of a weapon.

During his audacious escape, Sanders reportedly held a court staffer at knifepoint before fleeing the courthouse. Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg praised the staffer's bravery and confirmed that she was unharmed in the incident. Sanders was later seen "accosting" a driver and subsequently attempting to flee in her car. However, the vehicle crashed after a short distance, prompting Sanders to abandon it and escape on foot. Fortunately, no injuries resulted from the crash.

Dangerous Fugitive at Large

Sanders, who is approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and 140 lbs, has been described as dangerous. With no fixed address and believed to be armed with a knife, he poses a significant risk to public safety. Law enforcement agencies have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of the fugitive immediately by calling 911.

Following the escape, authorities deployed marine units to search the bayou for Sanders, but their efforts have so far been unsuccessful. Harris County Assistant Chief Phillip Bosquez emphasized the importance of public awareness in locating the fugitive and expressed confidence in law enforcement's ability to apprehend him.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg issued a statement urging the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of Joshua Nigel Thomas Sanders. Despite the ongoing manhunt, Ogg expressed confidence in the ability of law enforcement to locate and apprehend the fugitive.