LIBERTY COUNTY, Texas – An inmate who escaped from the Liberty County Jail in October has been arrested in Arkansas.
Phillip Henry Freeman was just days from being transferred to a state prison when he escaped from jail on Oct. 13. Sheriff's officials said they still aren't certain how Freeman, who worked in the jail's kitchen, escaped.
One of the only confirmed sightings of Freeman since his escape had come from a hunter's camera at a deer lease site off County Road 2309. Sheriff's officials said they believe Freeman had been roaming the area for some time, noting hunters reported items stolen from their camps and memory cards missing from their cameras.
However, Freeman missed one camera, and it captured a photograph of the fugitive. Sheriff's officials believe the image was taken sometime between Oct. 25-27. Despite a massive search of the area, Freeman was not found.
The Liberty County Sheriff's Office said Tuesday that Freeman, 38, was arrested Dec. 14 for burglary, attempted theft and fleeing from officers in Sevier County in Arkansas.
Court documents state a homeowner received a picture from his game camera showing a man at the front door of his cabin on the Cossatot River. In the photo, the homeowner said a white man was dressed in camouflage, carrying a camo bag and a pair of binoculars, trying to pry open the door.
The homeowner and his brother went to the cabin, where they saw the burglar exiting a cabin window. The burglar ran toward a set of railroad tracks.
Deputies caught up to the man, but he refused to stop. About 30 minutes later, the county sheriff spotted the man and had to use pepper spray to take him into custody.
Authorities said the man said his name was Garrett Wellington, but he was identified as Freeman by his fingerprints.
Freeman is accused of stealing tequila and vodka from the cabin.
The Sevier County sheriff said Freeman will be returned to the Liberty County Jail after he faces the charges in Arkansas.