Wills Point police announced Tuesday morning that a handcuffed suspect escaped while being transferred to federal immigration officials. The escape occurred at approximately 4 a.m. on Deen Road (Van Zandt County Road 3901), the last location where officers reported seeing the individual.
Suspect description and police response
The man is described as Hispanic, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and was wearing a navy‑blue shirt or hoodie with blue jeans at the time of the escape. He was wearing his handcuffs in front and is believed to be unarmed.
Law‑enforcement agencies from Wills Point and neighboring jurisdictions have launched a coordinated search. Officers are canvassing the area where the suspect was last seen and are conducting follow‑up investigations to determine his possible movements.
Public safety advisory
Police are urging residents to exercise caution and remain aware of their surroundings. They advise anyone who sees a person matching the description or who has information about his whereabouts to contact the Wills Point Police Department immediately. Officers specifically warn against attempting to detain the individual themselves.
Wills Point police are working closely with the Wills Point Independent School District and other local law‑enforcement partners to ensure schools remain safe. At this time, investigators have found no evidence of a specific threat to area schools.
Ongoing investigation
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to seek leads from the community. The man’s escape highlights the challenges faced by local agencies when handling transfers to federal immigration authorities, and officials reaffirm their commitment to public safety throughout the search.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Wills Point Police Department at the number provided in the official release. The department will provide updates as the situation develops.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.