Authorities in Houston are on high alert as they search for an escapee from Cypress Creek Behavioral Hospital, where Scott Evan Shepple, 35, managed to elude custody early today, as reported by KHOU. Originally held on charges including sexual assault, resisting arrest, and assaulting a peace officer, Shepple's escape has triggered warnings due to his described "violent tendencies," Grimes County Sheriff's Office warns.
While details are still emerging, what's known is that Shepple was last seen around 8:45 a.m. on the day of his escape wearing a gray t-shirt and dark gray pants, the man was transported from Grimes County Jail to the hospital before his escape, he is considered to be dangerous, with a history of "suicidal and has violent tendencies," and has indicated a desire for "suicide by cop," as noted by the Grimes County Sheriff's Office in a statement obtained by KHOU. The escapee is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 175 pounds, with a bald head and blue eyes, and he has multiple tattoos on his head and neck area which may make identifying him easier.
A representative from the Grimes County Sheriff's Office detailed Shepple's known contacts in the Grimes, Trinity, and Walker Counties, urging the public to come forward with any information that might lead to his capture. The community is encouraged to exercise caution and report sightings to the Grimes County Sheriff's Office at 936-873-2151, or to stay anonymous by submitting a tip online or calling Grimes County Crimestoppers at 936-873-2000, according to a KWTX report.
The search, coordinated by Sheriff Don Sowell, is underway and involves multiple counties and jurisdictions, the authorities have active warrants for Shepple in both Grimes and Brazos Counties and they caution the public not to approach the individual, but instead to contact law enforcement immediately with any potential leads that might assist in his apprehension, ensuring a cash reward may be available for information leading to an arrest, a statement emphasized in a KHOU release.
