Texas prisons cancel visitation following escape

More than a third of Texas criminal justice facilities have canceled visitation after an incarcerated man escaped during a bus transport in Leon County. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced that visiting hours for select units will be canceled until further notice starting May 14. Units in region one, two and six are subject to the cancellation, including Huntsville, Travis and Coffield. TDCJ advises would-be-visitors to contact the unit prior to traveling for visitation. The agency’s visitation hotline is (844) 476-1289 and is staffed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Gonzalo Lopez, 46, escaped from a bus en route to Huntsville Thursday after stabbing the bus driver in the hand, according to TDCJ reports. Lopez is serving two life sentences for capital murder and attempted capital murder. Authorities are offering a $22,500 reward for information leading to his capture. "I cannot reiterate enough how dangerous this man is and how the public's help is needed in locating him," TDCJ spokesperson Robert Hurst said on Friday. "If anybody has seen him, if anybody has any reason to believe he's been on their property please contact local law enforcement officials by way of 9-1-1." Hurst said members of the public should not attempt to capture or approach Lopez, but call 911 immediately.