News Summary
McArthur Deashy Mathis escaped from a psychiatric hospital in Texas, prompting an urgent manhunt. With a violent criminal history, he poses a serious threat to public safety. Authorities are on high alert as they search for him, urging residents to stay vigilant and report any sightings. This incident marks the second escape from a psychiatric facility in the area in 2025, leading officials to reconsider security protocols for inmates with violent backgrounds. Citizens are advised to provide any information on Mathis to law enforcement.
Austin, Texas – McArthur Deashy Mathis escaped from the Cross Creek Psychiatric & Addiction Hospital late on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, around 8 p.m. Law enforcement officials are actively searching for Mathis, who has a history of violent offenses and is considered armed and dangerous.
The escape was executed when Mathis managed to kick open a back door of the facility and leap over a six-foot security fence. Grimes County Sheriff Don Sowell expressed concern regarding public safety, emphasizing the potential threat posed by Mathis given his criminal background.
Mathis was initially arrested by the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office on January 2, 2025, after being sought for multiple warrants out of Victoria, Texas, along with additional charges stemming from incidents in Grimes County. His charges include unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon causing serious injury to a family member, obstruction or retaliation, deadly conduct, and burglary of a habitation. Notably, he is also a registered sex offender with known contacts in the surrounding counties of Grimes, Lavaca, Brazos, and Gonzales.
Prior to his escape, Mathis had been placed in the custody of the psychiatric hospital on May 21, 2025, following his arrest. The latest escape incident marks the second occurrence of an inmate escaping from a psychiatric facility in Grimes County in 2025. The first escape involved Scott Evan Shepple, who broke free from the Cypress Creek Behavioral Hospital in March 2025 and was found the next day following a significant police search.
In light of these repeated incidents, Sheriff Sowell has indicated a need for reconsideration of where inmates are placed for mental health treatment, highlighting concerns over the adequacy of security at psychiatric facilities hosting inmates with violent tendencies.
As of now, authorities have not located Mathis, and the search remains ongoing. Residents in the area are being advised to remain vigilant and report any information regarding Mathis’s whereabouts. Given his past actions, he is considered potentially violent and may pose a risk to public safety.
Anyone who may have information on McArthur Deashy Mathis is strongly encouraged to contact the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office at 936-873-2151 or reach out to Grimes County CrimeStoppers at 936-873-2000. Law enforcement officials continue to seek the public’s assistance in capturing Mathis and ensuring community safety.
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Additional Resources
- KXXV News
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- KVUE News
- Google Search: Grimes County inmate escape
- Click2Houston
- Google Scholar: psychiatric hospital security
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: violent offenses
- KHOU News
- Google News: Texas inmate escape
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
