by | Published
HONDO, Texas - Law enforcement authorities have ended an hours-long search for two people accused of throwing a package containing cell phones over the fence of a state prison in Medina County.
The incident began at approximately 7:15 a.m. when personnel at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Torres Unit observed two males throwing a package over the facility's fence.
Authorities said one of the individuals was wearing a red and white shirt, while the second was wearing a camouflage shirt. Both fled northwest from the prison into an area of heavy brush.
At approximately 7:39 a.m., the Hondo Police Department and Medina County Sheriff's Office were requested to assist.
Officers established a perimeter around the County Road 424 area and deployed K9 teams in an effort to track the suspects.
Law enforcement personnel spent several hours searching the area using K9 teams, drones, ATVs and officers on the ground.
Investigators said the K9 track eventually ended at a roadway, suggesting the individuals may have left the area from that location. Despite an extensive search of the surrounding area, neither suspect was found.
Authorities also requested air support during the search, but aircraft were unavailable.
One TDCJ employee suffered a heat-related illness during the operation and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. No additional information about the employee's condition was released.
The package thrown over the prison fence was recovered. Authorities determined it contained two cell phones.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Office of Inspector General is leading the criminal investigation into the attempted introduction of contraband.
Police emphasized that the two people being sought were not inmates and no prisoners escaped from the Torres Unit. The clarification was issued after information about the law enforcement search began circulating in the community.
The Hondo Police Department and Medina County Sheriff's Office have since concluded the active search. Authorities said there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the community.
The criminal investigation remains ongoing.
