Update (5/22 at 12:26 a.m.):
CAPTURED
The Austin County Sheriffโs Office reports that Blane Perez has been captured, thanks to a tip from alert homeowners in Brazos Country โ the same area where earlier search efforts had taken place. ACSO Patrol Deputies, along with the San Felipe Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety, quickly coordinated a response and located Perez around 12:15 a.m.
He was taken into custody without incident and is being transported to the Austin County Jail.
Authorities extended their sincere thanks to the residents of Brazos Country for their vigilance and cooperation, which played a key role in the successful apprehension.
A multi-agency manhunt unfolded across Harris, Waller, and Austin counties today after a suspect led law enforcement on a pursuit that began in Houston and ended in a rugged search effort near the Brazos River in Austin County.
The incident began earlier this morning when deputies from the Harris County Sheriffโs Office attempted a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as 33-year-old Blane Perez, refused to comply and fled westbound on Interstate 10. He traveled into Waller County before abandoning his vehicle near the Brazos River and fleeing on foot.
Perez then entered the river and swam across, crossing into Austin County. The Austin County Sheriffโs Office was notified around 11:30 a.m. and immediately responded. Several other agencies quickly joined the search, including the Austin County Constable Precinct 4, San Felipe Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Waller County Sheriffโs Office, and other assisting departments. Local elected officials and members of the public also played a role in the coordinated effort.
Law enforcement officers established a perimeter and launched a thorough search of the heavily wooded area. The operation was conducted in challenging conditions, with high heat and thick underbrush slowing progress. K9 units and emergency personnel worked tirelessly, combing through the area as temperatures climbed into the 90s. After five hours of searching, the suspect was not located.
Perez is currently wanted on an active warrant for Theft of Property valued at $100 to less than $750. Authorities have described him as a low-risk suspect, but they encourage the public to remain cautious and report any sightings or information to law enforcement.
Constable Precinct 4 deputies were among the first to assist Harris County deputies in reaching the riverbank, navigating through chest-high brush to help establish a perimeter. Waller County authorities covered the east side of the river to contain the search area.
Todayโs response showcased exceptional cooperation among local and regional agencies. Community support was also evident, with private citizens delivering coolers of water and energy snacks to aid responders in the field. The San Felipe Volunteer Fire Department provided on-site support throughout the effort.
Ultimately, the multi-agency manhunt was called off due to safety concerns. The extreme heat and demanding terrain began to take a toll, especially on the K9 units, which were showing signs of heat exhaustion. The Harris County Sheriffโs Office made the decision to suspend the search out of caution.
While Perez remains at large, law enforcement officials are grateful for the swift response and collaboration that took place across jurisdictions. They also expressed appreciation for the residents and volunteers who stepped up to assist.
Anyone with information on Blane Perezโs whereabouts is urged to contact the Austin County Sheriffโs Office at (979) 865-3111.
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