Convicted Murderer Attacks Correctional Officer, Escapes From Prison Bus

Centerville, TX – A manhunt is underway for an escaped convict who attacked a corrections officer on a prison transport bus about two miles west of Centerville.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the incident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on May 12 on between U.S. 45 and FM 39 in Leon County, KBTX reported.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) said 46-year-old Gonzalo Lopez attacked the correctional officer who was driving the transport bus and caused it to crash.

Gonzalo fled the vehicle after the wreck in the area of Highway 7 in Leon County, KBTX reported.

He was seen wearing a prison uniform.

Update from TDCJ: 46 year old Gonzalo Lopez assaulted a correctional officer on a transport bus and then fled. Multiple law enforcement agencies are searching for Lopez near Highway 7 westbound in Leon County approximately 1.5 miles from I-45. pic.twitter.com/8FSTye4nC9

— Garrett Hottle (@GKHottle) May 12, 2022

TDCJ said Gonzalo was serving a life sentence for capital murder out of Hidalgo County and attempted capital murder out of Webb County at the time of his escape.

Authorities said he should be considered armed and dangerous, KBTX reported.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) is searching for an escaped inmate in Leon County. 46 year old Gonzalo Lopez assaulted a correctional officer on a transport bus & then fled from the vehicle. pic.twitter.com/FTa2Dl8fQv

— TDCJ (@TDCJ) May 12, 2022

DPS said police have shut down the roadways between U.S. 45 and FM 39 while officers search for the escaped convict, KBTX reported.

Centerville-area residents have been asked to shelter in place.

#HAPPENINGNOW – The Leon County Sheriff’s Office is searching for a Texas Department of Criminal Justice inmate Gonzalo Lopez. Highway 7 both ways shut down between Centerville and Marquez. @KWKTFOX44 pic.twitter.com/a0vXHZzQey

— Jessica Rivera (@Jriv_tv) May 12, 2022

Numerous law enforcement agencies have responded to the scene to assist the Leon County Sheriff’s Office in their search for Lopez.

“Do not attempt to take this person into custody by yourself. If you see him please contact the nearest law enforcement agency through 911, they will take matters into hand,” TDCJ said in a statement.