HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — Officials said a fugitive who has escaped Louisiana law enforcement on four separate occasions is now in custody following a search in the Channelview area on Monday afternoon.
According to the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, authorities were searching for an escaped fugitive along Sheldon Road between I-10 and Bear Bayou. Officials said the suspect was found on Monday and identified as Raymond Howard.
The Harris County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office confirmed Howard was arrested shortly before 1 p.m. outside a Family Dollar store on Dell Dale Street in Channelview. Video from the scene shows officers surrounding a vehicle before taking him into custody.
Louisiana officials from the St. Landry Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Opelousas Police Department said that Howard has escaped authorities on four separate occasions. Howard first escaped in January 2023 before being caught about a month later, St. Landry Parish officials said.
Howard then escaped a second time in September 2024 after kicking out a window in a transport van while stopped at a red light, Louisiana officials said, adding that he was recaptured a few days later.
Opelousas PD said that Howard then escaped a third time in July 2025 before being taken into custody again. Howard then escaped a fourth time in December 2025 after popping off the glass of a transport vehicle at a stop sign, according to police. Opelousas PD said that Howard was being moved to a different facility at the time due to his prior escapes.
Howard was seen in the Channelview area, according to Pct. 3 authorities, which started the search in the area on Monday and later led to his recapture.
According to authorities, Howard was charged with third-degree rape before accumulating more charges for his multiple escape attempts.
“Well, he’s locked up. I guess that’s a good thing,” Charleston Malveaux, a nearby business owner, added that he hopes the area returns to normal. “Hopefully, he doesn’t escape again.”
Louisiana authorities said Howard will be returned to St. Landry Parish, where he is expected to face charges.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.