Texas Escaped Inmate Considered Armed and Dangerous Following Psychiatric Hospital Breakout

The Austin Police Department has issued a Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert after an inmate, McArthur Mathis, escaped from The Cross Creek Psychiatric and Addiction Hospital. Mathis, who had been in custody in Grimes County since his January 2 arrest, reportedly fled the facility on Wednesday evening.

According to authorities, Mathis is a registered sex offender with multiple outstanding charges. These include:

• Unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon
• Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury to a family member
• Obstruction or retaliation
• Deadly conduct
• Burglary of a habitation

Police responded to an urgent welfare call at approximately 10:30 p.m., where it was discovered that Mathis had allegedly kicked open a back door before leaping over a six-foot fence to make his escape. The circumstances surrounding how Mathis overcame security protocols at the psychiatric hospital remain under investigation.

The department has cautioned that Mathis could be attempting to contact associates or family in several nearby counties, including Grimes, Lavaca, Brazos, and Gonzales. Law enforcement agencies in those regions have been alerted and are coordinating efforts to locate the fugitive.

Officials warn residents that Mathis should be considered armed and dangerous due to his extensive criminal background. Authorities are urging the public not to approach him if spotted and instead immediately contact law enforcement.

Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of McArthur Mathis is asked to contact the Grimes County Sheriff's Office at 936-873-2151, Grimes County Crimestoppers at (936) 873-2000, or submit tips online at www.p3tips.com.

The investigation is ongoing, and police are intensifying efforts to ensure the individual is apprehended swiftly to minimize potential risks to the community.