Texas prison inmate Juan Salaz caught in Mexico after 16 years on the run
This undated photograph purportedly shows Juan Salaz, who was caught by police in Mexico last week.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Sixteen years after escaping from a Texas prison, Juan Salaz’s luck finally ran out.
The 37-year-old was arrested in Mexico last week and is awaiting extradition to the United States, the Associated Press reported.
Salaz was serving a 35-year sentence on charges of kidnapping and attempting to kill a police officer when he escaped from the Garza East prison in Beeville in South Texas in 1997.
He climbed over three 16-foot fences topped with razor wire and headed south across the border to a new life in Mexico, The Houston Chronicle reported.
"Salaz thought that he had eluded authorities by starting a new life in Mexico. He was wrong," Texas Department of Criminal Justice Inspector General Bruce Toney was quoted by My Fox Austin as saying.
"This should be a reminder to those who think they can out run justice. We will never stop looking for you."
Salaz will face a felony escape charge, which will probably extend his time behind bars.