Fugitive Caught in Houston After Escaping Austin Psychiatric Hospital in Bold Daylight Getaway

A High-Stakes Manhunt Ends in North Houston

The search for an escaped Grimes County inmate came to a dramatic conclusion this week after authorities captured the fugitive in north Houston. McArthur Deashy Mathis, a convicted felon and registered sex offender, was arrested around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday near Interstate 45 and West Road, ending a multi-agency manhunt that spanned several days.

Mathis had previously fled from the Cross Creek Psychiatric and Addiction Hospital in Austin, where he was undergoing treatment under secure custody.

How the Escape Unfolded

Mathis's escape occurred late last week while he was being treated at the behavioral facility in northeast Austin. Despite being in a controlled medical setting, Mathis managed to flee, triggering a manhunt involving local and federal authorities.

His escape was the second such incident involving inmates from behavioral hospitals in Texas in just three months, raising serious concerns about the security protocols at these institutions.

Anonymous Tip Leads to Capture

The breakthrough in the search came thanks to a tip from a member of the public who spotted Mathis and alerted authorities. Acting quickly on the lead, members of the U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Violent Offenders and Fugitive Task Force located Mathis outside a pet store in north Houston. He was reportedly with a woman who had also been at the Austin hospital but was not charged in the incident.

At the time of his arrest, Mathis was unarmed and did not resist, allowing law enforcement to take him into custody without incident.

Criminal Background of the Fugitive

Mathis is no stranger to law enforcement. He has a criminal history that includes charges of:

Possession of a firearm by a felon

Aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury

Retaliation

Deadly conduct

Residential burglary

These charges reflect a pattern of violent and high-risk behavior, making his escape all the more alarming.

Back Behind Bars and Facing New Questions

Following his arrest, Mathis was transported back to the Grimes County Jail. Authorities are now expected to review the circumstances of his escape, particularly in light of prior incidents at similar facilities. It remains to be seen whether additional security measures will be implemented at behavioral treatment centers across the state to prevent such escapes in the future.

Praise for Law Enforcement and Public Support

The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the swift and collaborative work of various agencies involved in the case. A spokesperson credited the Austin Police Department, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, and Grimes County investigators for their coordinated response, which ultimately led to Mathis’s safe apprehension.

Public cooperation also played a vital role. The tip that led to Mathis's arrest was a result of vigilant citizens paying attention and speaking up—a reminder of how community involvement can help protect public safety.

Looking Ahead

With Mathis now back in custody, the spotlight shifts to the institutional gaps that allowed his escape in the first place. As authorities reassess policies and procedures for inmate treatment in medical settings, the incident serves as a sobering reminder of the delicate balance between rehabilitation and public safety.