Liberty Co. jail inmate escapes custody in Kingwood, multi-agency search underway, authorities say

Saturday, July 18, 2026 1:43PM CT
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Deputies said a search is underway after a Liberty County jail inmate escaped custody at an emergency room in Kingwood on Saturday morning.

The Liberty County Sheriff's Office said the escaped inmate, identified as 31-year-old Yorlan Reyes, was taken to the Liberty County Jail from Madison County on Friday on an outstanding Liberty County felony warrant.

Authorities said that on Saturday morning, Reyes suffered a medical emergency and was taken by ambulance to HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood for treatment. At about 5:30 a.m., Reyes escaped custody and fled the emergency room on foot, officials said.

Reyes was last seen wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, orange Crocs, and white boxers, authorities said.

Liberty County Sheriff's Office



LCSO said its Criminal Investigations Division is leading the investigation, with investigators reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing all available leads. The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said it was requested to help LCSO after the inmate escaped, with multiple MCSO units actively searching the surrounding area.



LCSO said in an update on Saturday afternoon that the on-scene investigation at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood was completed and that the hospital has resumed normal operations.

According to records, Reyes was charged with publishing or threatening to publish intimate visual materials.

Officials said if you see Reyes, do not approach him. Authorities advised instead to call 911 immediately and report his location, description, and what direction he was traveling. Authorities said you can also contact the Liberty County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (936) 336-4500 or contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office Dispatch at (936) 760-5800.
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