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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Exclusive surveillance footage obtained by Eyewitness News shows inmate Nigel Sanders in the moments after his escape from custody following a court hearing on Thursday afternoon.
The video, shared with by a source, depicts an inmate, identified as Sanders, casually walking out of the jail intake center in downtown Houston. He is barefoot and wearing orange jail pants, and no one is seen stopping or watching him, indicating a lack of security.
Sanders, 35, escaped custody while being returned to jail after a court appearance, prompting a 12-hour search. With a lengthy criminal history, he was recently charged and detained for three burglaries. Officials said he managed his escape by climbing through the ceiling of a tunnel before exiting through one of the doors.
Documents reveal that tunnels connect 1301 Franklin to all the jails, allowing inmates to travel to court without going outside. Typically, 50 to 60 inmates move through these tunnels after court hearings. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, not all inmates are escorted and handcuffed.
Court documents highlight a significant security issue: Sanders climbed through the tunnels’ drop ceiling from a secure area to an unsecured one. Investigators found orange slippers and other clothing along his escape route.
After leaving the facility, Sanders approached an employee of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office who was sitting in her car in the sallyport. He allegedly threatened her with a knife and ordered her to get out of the vehicle. A struggle ensued, resulting in the car crashing, and Sanders fleeing the scene.
Sanders was eventually found hiding at his mother’s home in the 14000 block of Force Street around 3 a.m. on Friday. Both his mother and sister were also arrested.
Harris County Sheriff’s Office regarding its policies and how this escape could occur. A spokesperson stated, “The Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident involving Nigel Sanders. While we are still in the preliminary stages of the investigation, we are aware of a video showing Sanders exiting a maintenance building door near the Downtown Courthouse Complex. The safety and security of inmates, employees, and visitors to court facilities are our priority. We take these matters seriously and will continue to evaluate all policies and procedures to ensure the secure transport of individuals to and from court.”