Theft suspect who slipped away from jail inmate processing center back in custody

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A female inmate who walked away from the Harris County Jail's Inmate Processing Center is back in custody, according to the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

Tammy Ann Smith, 50, was apprehended in Highlands in east Harris County.

Smith walked away from the Harris County Jail's Inmate Processing Center in downtown Houston around 7am Tuesday.

Smith was being held on misdemeanor theft charges originating in Liberty County, and was waiting to be transferred to the custody of the Liberty County Sheriff's Office when authorities say she blended in with a crowd of inmates being released.

Smith has since been charged escape while arrested or confined with a $10,000 bond.

An internal investigation into the incident is currently underway.