Escaped East Texas Inmate Captured in Washington After Weeks on the Run

LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – An inmate who escaped from Liberty County Sheriff’s Office custody while receiving medical treatment in July has been captured more than 2,300 miles away in Washington state after an extensive multi-agency manhunt.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office announced that Yorlan Rafael Reyes was taken into custody at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Aug. 5 in Mukilteo, Washington, by members of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Reyes escaped during the early morning hours of July 18 while receiving medical treatment at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood.

Following the escape, investigators with the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division pursued numerous leads to track Reyes and identify individuals who may have assisted him.

According to investigators, Reyes was later located in Cleveland, Texas, where he allegedly entered a residence and obtained clothing. Detectives determined he then stayed at another nearby residence with acquaintances until the early morning hours of July 21.

Investigators believe Reyes was later transported to a former work yard in the Houston area. Although authorities received reports that he had been seen there, searches of the location were unsuccessful.

As the investigation continued, detectives learned Reyes had received assistance traveling to the Seattle area. Despite following numerous false leads and dead ends, investigators eventually identified a cellular telephone number they believed Reyes was using.

That information was provided to the U.S. Marshals Service, which used the phone number and additional investigative resources to pinpoint Reyes’ location in Mukilteo.

Authorities said Reyes had been working construction jobs while hiding in Washington.

Investigators also learned Reyes allegedly continued sending threatening messages from Washington to women in Texas, including threats involving their juvenile daughters. Those allegations remain under investigation, and additional criminal charges may be filed.

Reyes now faces an additional charge of escape. Authorities said further charges against both Reyes and anyone who may have helped him evade capture remain possible as the investigation continues.

The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office credited the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. Marshals Service for assisting in the investigation.

“I am extremely proud of our investigators,” said Captain John Bennett, commander of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division. “They worked through false reports, dead ends, and constantly changing information until they developed the lead that helped the U.S. Marshals Service locate and apprehend Reyes. This arrest reflects their determination and the strength of our law enforcement partnerships.”

Authorities said arrangements are being made to return Reyes to the appropriate jurisdiction.