Suspect Flees Medical Facility
Law enforcement officials report that a man in custody managed to escape from a Houston-area hospital. The individual, identified as James Willis from Dallas, was being treated when he took advantage of an opportunity to flee.
According to Pct. 4 Constable Mark Herman, Willis had been arrested on a family violence charge. While detained, he complained of chest discomfort and was transported to HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest for evaluation.
Escape Details
"During that time period is when he ended up rolling off the gurney and where they had him," Herman said. "I guess all the rooms were filled...so they basically had him in a bed in the hallway. And in the hallway, he was right by an exit door. Clearly, he was able to size up his situation to know, 'I have a split second to roll off this side and hit that door,' and that's exactly what he did."
The escape occurred after medical staff requested removal of his restraints during testing. Officials confirm this created the opening Willis used to make his getaway.
Subsequent Carjacking Incident
Shortly after escaping around 3:40 p.m. on Saturday, Willis approached a vehicle at a nearby gas station. Surveillance footage shows him entering a stranger's car without a shirt as emergency sirens are audible in the background.
Herman stated that Willis pretended to be armed and compelled the driver to travel several blocks before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot. The carjacking took place approximately two blocks from the initial search area near Westfield Place and the North Freeway.
Ongoing Investigation
"We have our own internal investigation ongoing about things that we probably could've done better, and we'll go from there," Herman said.
Authorities believe Willis may have returned to the Dallas region, and local law enforcement there has been alerted. However, Harris County officials continue their search in case he remains in the area.
The domestic violence victim involved in Willis' original arrest is currently under protective supervision and confirmed to be safe, according to constable deputies.
