Be on the Lookout: Inmate escapes from downtown Houston court

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Police are looking for an inmate that escaped custody from a downtown Houston facility on Thursday.

Efrain Gutierrez, 38, was attending court at the Juvenile Justice Center located at 1200 Congress. He was last seen in a red pickup truck just before noon.

According to authorities, Gutierrez slipped out of his handcuffs.

Gutierrez was due in court on theft, drug possession, aggregate theft and evading charges. Police say his most recent charge stems from a robbery at Kohls on Feb. 5. The co-defendant in that case, Erika Jalitt, says Gutierrez also left the Kohls in a red pickup truck.

Gutierrez has 20 convictions for theft, drugs, robbery, evading arrest and burglary of a vehicle.

A previous aggravated theft charge stems from 2018, when police said Gutierrez allegedly stole more than $10,000 worth of merchandise from Deerbrook Mall, including 612 pairs of women's underwear.

RELATED: Man accused of stealing 612 pairs of panties from Victoria's Secret in Deerbrook Mall

A loss prevention officer at the Victoria's Secret store reportedly spotted him swipe 61 pairs of panties off a display table, put them in a bag and walk out the door.

Gutierrez lives in the Humble area.

If you see Gutierrez, do not approach him. Authorities say to call police.