Law enforcement agencies across Central Texas are searching for McArthur Mathis, a psychiatric hospital inmate who escaped from Cross Creek Psychiatric & Addiction Hospital late Wednesday night.
Mathis, 45, managed to flee by kicking open a back door and scaling a six-foot fence, according to police reports. Originally detained at the Travis County Jail on multiple felony charges, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and burglary, he had been transferred to the facility for psychiatric evaluation.
Authorities have issued a statewide BOLO (Be On the Lookout) alert, warning that Mathis may be armed and dangerous. He is believed to have connections in Grimes, Lavaca, Brazos, and Gonzales counties, where officials are focusing their search efforts.
Local residents are urged to avoid contact and report any sightings to 911 immediately. Investigators are reviewing security footage from the facility to determine how Mathis bypassed multiple barriers.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and Austin Police Department have deployed additional officers to track down the fugitive. Updates on the search are expected in the coming hours.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube