AUTHORITIES APPREHEND ESCAPED PRISONER

(CAMERON)  A Milam County prisoner being treated at Central Texas Hospital, escaped from authorities Monday morning, fleeing from the hospital on foot only to be apprehended less than 90 minutes later.  Nicolas Ramirez, age 30, was in custody for Burglary of a Habitation with Intent to Commit Assault.   He had been at the hospital for a couple of days, according to Sheriff Charlie West, for treatment of a minor illness.  He was under guard at the time of his escape by Jailer Jason Michael Culp, and was restrained with leg iron cuffs.  Around 4:30 a.m. Monday, he asked to go to the restroom, and slipped by the jailer and exited the hospital thru the back door.  Milam County Deputies, Cameron Police and Constable Herbie Vaughn began combing the city for Ramirez who was dressed in orange jail pants and a white t-shirt.  Deputy Greg Kouba had just been to an acquaintance’s house when Sheriff West received a tip that Ramirez was at the house.  Kouba returned and arrested Ramirez without incident just after 6 a.m.  Katrina Billingsly 23, was also arrested and charged with Hindering Apprehension of a Known Felon, a 3^rd degree felony.  Billingsley knowingly concealed and harbored Ramirez inside her residence and lied to investigators about her knowledge and his whereabouts.  She was arraigned Monday and released after posting a $3500 bond.

Ramirez is now facing a 3^rd degree felony charge of Escape from Custody.  Ramirez has been in custody since May 4^th of this year after being charged with Burglary of a Habitation.