Escaped Texas Inmate Arrested Sneaking Back To Jail

JEFFERSON COUNTY, TX — Sneaking out of prison wasn't the hard part for one Southeast Texas federal inmate. It was trying to sneak back in that got him busted. Joshua Hansen, 25, of Dallas walked off the property to grab a dropped-off bag of goodies to take back to his cell. The only problem was, getting back.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Crystal Holmes, sheriff deputies and U.S. Marshals captured Hansen Wednesday night.

Authorities said Hansen was caught in a pasture with a duffle bag filled with chicken sausage, salty snacks. multiple bags of tobacco and bottles of brandy. The inmate is now looking at added time behind bars after being charged with escape.

Hansen is a non-violent offender who is incarcerated in Beaumont on narcotics charges. Jefferson County Sheriff's Deputy Marcus McLellan said non-violent offenders and inmates on work release have walked off from the facility "pretty much since Day 1" to bring contraband back inside the prison walls. He added that the department has worked with the Marshals office and other agencies to halt such walk-offs.

Holmes said a vehicle was seen around 5:45 p.m. Wednesday driving on private property adjacent to the prison. Holmes said someone dropped a large, black duffle bag from the vehicle and then drove off.

Hansen was seen around 7:30 p.m. running across the property to fetch the bag and then made a dash back toward the prison, only to be caught and arrested, she said. He was booked at the Jefferson County jail on charges of escape and possession of marijuana.

Images via Jefferson County (TX) Sheriff's Office