LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – An inmate who escaped from a Houston-area hospital nearly three weeks ago has been captured in Seattle, Washington — and investigators say he was sending threatening messages to women in Texas, including messages involving their juvenile daughters, while on the run.
Yorlan Rafael Reyes, who escaped from Liberty County Sheriff’s Office custody on July 18, 2026, while receiving medical treatment at HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, was apprehended at approximately 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Seattle area by members of the United States Marshals Service.
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The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the arrest, crediting months of relentless investigative work across multiple agencies.
“I am extremely proud of our investigators. They worked through false reports, dead ends, and constantly changing information until they developed the lead that helped the U.S. Marshals Service locate and apprehend Reyes. This arrest reflects their determination and the strength of our law enforcement partnerships,” said Captain John Wayne Bennett of the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.
How investigators tracked Reyes across the country
After escaping from HCA Houston Healthcare Kingwood, Reyes was traced to Cleveland, Texas, where investigators say he entered a residence and obtained clothing. He then stayed at a nearby residence with people known to him until the early morning hours of July 21, 2026.
Investigators say Reyes was then transported to a former work yard in the Houston area. A possible sighting was reported there, but Reyes was not found during the subsequent search.
The trail eventually led west. Investigators learned Reyes received help traveling to the Seattle, Washington area. Liberty County investigators continued following leads — including dead ends, inaccurate information and false reports — before identifying a cell phone number believed to be in Reyes’ possession.
That number was turned over to the United States Marshals Service, which used it along with additional investigative resources to develop a location. On Tuesday afternoon, U.S. Marshals in Washington located and apprehended Reyes. Investigators say he had been working construction jobs in the Seattle area while hiding from authorities.
New allegations emerge
The investigation also revealed that while in Washington, Reyes continued sending threatening messages to women in Texas — including messages involving their juvenile daughters. Those allegations remain under investigation, and additional criminal charges may be filed against Reyes.
Reyes now faces an additional charge of escape in connection with his flight from custody. Charges against other individuals who may have assisted him following the escape are also possible.
Arrangements are being made to return Reyes to the appropriate jurisdiction.
At the time of his escape, Reyes was being held on a state jail felony charge of unlawful disclosure or promotion of intimate visual material — commonly known as revenge porn — under Texas Penal Code § 21.16.
A correctional officer was fired following the escape after an administrative review found violations involving inmate transportation and supervision.
The Liberty County Sheriff’s Office thanked its law enforcement partners — including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the United States Marshals Service — for their assistance throughout the investigation.