(Seguin) — After nearly a week on the run, a Hays County Jail inmate who escaped custody by allegedly impersonating another prisoner has been captured here in Guadalupe County.
The Hays County Sheriff’s Office announced that Xavier Isiah Gutierrez, 21, of Pearland, is now back in custody following his arrest in Guadalupe County on Wednesday. Authorities credited the Sheriff’s Special Services Division (SSD) Unit, the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, and multiple assisting law enforcement agencies for locating and apprehending Gutierrez.
According to the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, Gutierrez escaped from the Hays County Jail on July 18, 2026, after allegedly posing as another inmate who shared the same first name and had been scheduled for release. Officials say the mistake allowed Gutierrez to leave the jail despite not being eligible for release.
At the time of his escape, Gutierrez was being held on a Motion to Adjudicate Guilt related to a felony theft case filed by the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office. He was also being held on an Evading Arrest warrant issued by the Pearland Police Department.
Following the escape, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant charging Gutierrez with Escape, a third-degree felony.
The sheriff’s office said an internal investigation remains underway to determine exactly how Gutierrez was able to leave the jail while impersonating another inmate. Officials are reviewing jail procedures and safeguards to identify any changes needed to prevent a similar incident in the future.