Texas law enforcement expanding search for inmate who escaped from prison bus

LEON COUNTY, Texas (FOX 44) – The Texas Division of Prison Justice mentioned the seek for escapee Gonzalo Lopez, 46, is getting into a brand new, expanded section.

The TDCJ, the Workplace of Inspector Normal (OIG), together with quite a few legislation enforcement businesses, have concluded an exhaustive floor and air search in Leon County, they mentioned.

A contingent of personnel will stay within the county, and shall be conducting strategic searches of areas outdoors of the unique secured perimeter. The renewed focus by OIG, Texas Rangers, and U.S. Marshals is to depart no stone unturned as they observe leads and monitor Lopez’s whereabouts.

“Anybody who has data of Lopez’s location ought to come ahead,” mentioned Inspector Normal Cris Love. “These discovered to be serving to or harboring him not solely will face arrest and prosecution, however I consider they’re placing themselves at risk. Lopez has a whole disregard for human life and can do what it takes to keep away from seize. We’ll take this investigation the place ever it leads us till Lopez is again in custody.”

The U.S. Marshals say was on a transport bus with 15 different inmates and two guards on their manner from Gatesville to Huntsville, Texas. They report Lopez was in a position to get free from his restraints throughout that transport.

Federal legislation enforcement mentioned Lopez used “an object” to stab the bus driver, Officer Randy Smith, who is predicted to outlive. He was then in a position to “briefly” get ahold of Smith’s handgun, however was not in a position to free it from the holster, the U.S. Marshals mentioned in a launch. Sooner or later, the guards and Lopez ended up outdoors of the bus.

The second guard, Officer Jimmie Brinegar shot the again tires of the bus earlier than Lopez jumped again in and tried to drive off, they mentioned. He then drove roughly a mile earlier than crashing and persevering with on foot.

Lopez has been added to the Texas 10 Most Needed Fugitives Listing, based on the Texas Division of Public Security.

These with data on the suspect can name TDCJ OIG Crime Stoppers at 1-800-832-8477, or 936-437-5171. Lopez is roughly 6’0”, weighs 190 kilos, and was final seen sporting white clothes in a wooded space off of Freeway 7 in Leon County. A $50,000 reward is being supplied for data resulting in the seize of Lopez.