Carlos Molina Hernandez, 27, slipped out of custody at Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center on Friday afternoon, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office. Deputies had taken Hernandez to the hospital after an aggravated-assault call in the Tomball area earlier in the day, and officials say he left custody at about 4:45 p.m. The sheriff's office has released photographs of Hernandez and is asking the public to report tips to 911 or Crime Stoppers. No additional details about how he escaped were immediately available.
What officials say
The sheriff's account of the escape was posted on the department's Facebook page and then picked up in local coverage. FOX 26 Houston reports that Hernandez was taken to Ben Taub at about noon and disappeared from custody later that afternoon. The station notes that the sheriff's office publicly identified Hernandez and shared the photos now circulating online.
Details from the sheriff's post
According to the sheriff's Facebook post, Hernandez was brought to the hospital following an aggravated-assault call in the Tomball area on Berry Orchard Lane. The post states he escaped custody at about 4:45 p.m. and includes images credited to the Harris County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
Where it happened
Ben Taub Hospital is a 402-bed Level I trauma center located in the Texas Medical Center that handles a heavy emergency caseload. Harris Health describes the facility as the county's primary trauma and acute-care center. The hospital's site lists floor maps along with parking and patient-drop information used by staff and public-safety agencies, according to Harris Health.
Legal note
Under Texas law, escape is an offense that can range from a Class A misdemeanor to a felony, depending on whether the person was charged with a felony or caused injury while escaping. The statute and penalties are set out in the Texas Penal Code (see Texas Penal Code 38.06 on FindLaw).
How to help
The sheriff's office has asked anyone who sees Hernandez or knows his whereabouts to call 911 immediately or to report tips to Crime Stoppers of Houston at 713 222 TIPS (8477). Local outlets have posted the images the department released, and FOX 26 Houston carries the photos along with the initial reporting on the escape.
