Huntsville inmate who escaped prison was arrested hours later in Calallen, state prison officials say The TDCJ says Jesus Villarreal, 39, is already serving a 63-year prison sentence on aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges
Jesus Villarreal, 39, escaped from the Huntsville unit at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice on Sunday morning. Villarreal was arrested hours later in Calallen, Texas. (Texas Department of Criminal Justice)
CALALLEN, Texas – A Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate who escaped from its Huntsville unit Sunday is now back in law enforcement custody.
Authorities said Jesus Villarreal, 39, was arrested more than 250 miles away in Calallen, Texas. Calallen is located approximately 15 miles west of downtown Corpus Christi.
Villarreal escaped prison in the early morning hours of Sunday morning, the TDCJ said.
He was previously convicted and is currently serving a 63-year prison sentence on aggravated robbery and aggravated assault charges stemming from a case in Cameron County.
Prison officials also said Villarreal received an additional deadly weapon possession charge in 2015 while he was in a penal institution.
A TDCJ official said Villarreal will now face multiple escape charges, which will be considered as felonies.
Copyright 2024 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Author Nate Kotisso headshot
Nate Kotisso joined KSAT as a digital journalist in 2024. He previously worked as a newspaper reporter in the Rio Grande Valley for more than two years and spent nearly three years as a digital producer at the CBS station in Oklahoma City.
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run ▶ 0:32
‘I wouldn’t have left you’: Good Samaritan left critically injured after Universal City hit-and-run
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio ▶ 1:26
Amazon’s Prime Air drone deliveries are in full swing across San Antonio
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim ▶ 1:03
The Running Event kicks off downtown ahead of inaugural San Antonio Marathon_Trim
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community ▶ 1:52
Castle Hills nursing home resident spreads warmth with handmade hats for San Antonio’s community
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road ▶ 0:57
San Antonio could test drive lower speed limits, but funding issues may push it down the road
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest ▶ 1:03
Body cam captures LOPD officer making false claims about business owner months before owner’s arrest
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon ▶ 1:55
Road closures to be aware of during the San Antonio Marathon
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin ▶ 2:07
Mother of Texas A&M student demands answers after daughter’s fatal fall from high-rise in Austin
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing? ▶ 2:20
Do police have to wait 24 hours to declare an adult missing?
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says ▶ 1:05
Harlandale ISD teacher arrested, accused of sexual assault of child, SAPD says
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin ▶ 1:03
Mother questions circumstances surrounding death of daughter, a Texas A&M student, in Austin
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request ▶ 1:13
Ousted Alamo Trust president questions timing of resignation request
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID ▶ 0:35
Prepare to pay a $45 fee to fly if you don't have a Real ID
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’ ▶ 1:08
Some UTSA students forced to move dorm rooms as school complies with state’s ‘bathroom bill’
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect ▶ 0:29
How to share your San Antonio Marathon pics & videos to KSAT Connect
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is ▶ 1:18
How Black Friday can make the economy seem healthier than it is
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers ▶ 0:32
Interactive map shows car burglaries at popular San Antonio shopping centers
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium ▶ 1:04
Experience San Antonio’s newest drive-thru Christmas light display “The Light Park” at Wolff Stadium
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate ▶ 0:41
1-on-1 with Colin Allred, candidate for US Senate
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas ▶ 1:48
James Talarico shares his favorite things about Texas
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim ▶ 1:29
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia ▶ 0:54
David Elder tries the Tres Leches Strawberry Matcha Latte from La Panaderia
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio ▶ 2:51
David Elder tries Snow Island in San Antonio
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House ▶ 0:39
Surf & Turf at Sea Island Shrimp House
David Elder tries Mamma Lou's Soul Food Kitchen in Windcrest ▶ 2:58
David Elder tries Mamma Lou's Soul Food Kitchen in Windcrest
Previous photo Next photo