HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — The 3-day search for a “career criminal” who escaped custody while in the hospital has ended in an arrest, Precinct 4 deputies announced.
The video above is from a previous report.
PREVIOUS REPORT: Video shows moment wanted suspect forced his way inside of stranger’s car after escaping custody
Just after 4 p.m. on Tuesday, the Precinct 4 Special Operations unit said it took James Willis, 35, into custody with help from the U.S. Marshal’s Office and Texas DPS.
Authorities said Willis was located and apprehended at a hotel in the 9100 block of the Gulf Freeway, and reportedly tried to run again, but was bitten by Pct. 4 K-9.
He was taken to a hospital for K-9 bites, Pct. 4 said.
Constable Herman said Willis was initially arrested on a family violence charge, and while in custody, complained of chest pain and was taken to the HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest.
During medical testing, Herman said a nurse requested that Willis’ handcuffs be removed. Officials said that’s when Willis took an opportunity to flee.
The search first started Saturday around 3:40 p.m. on Westfield Place and the North Freeway. About two blocks away, Herman said Willis carjacked a driver without using a weapon.
A video obtained exclusively by Eyewitness News shows the moments the man police identified as Willis forced his way inside a driver’s car at a gas station minutes after he escaped.
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