KYLE, Texas — An alleged escape attempt by a Hays County inmate turned deadly Monday at the Ascension Seton Hays hospital in Kyle.
According to the Hays County Sheriff's Office, a Hays County corrections officer was guarding an inmate – later identified as 36-year-old Joshua Leon Wright – who was getting treatment at the hospital when he reportedly attempted to escape, assaulted the officer and ran on foot through the emergency room.
Officials said the officer fired at Wright and struck him. The sheriff's office reported that medical staff immediately began life-saving measures, but Wright was pronounced dead on scene.
Wright was in jail under the following charges:
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
- Bail Jumping
- Failure to Appear
- Reckless Driving
- Criminal Mischief
- Evading Arrest and Detention
According to Hays County Sheriff's Office policy, the Texas Rangers were also called to the scene to assist with the officer-involved shooting. The officer involved has been placed on administrative leave. The Texas Rangers are investigating.
Anyone with more information about this case is asked to call Detective Travis Terreo with the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896, or travis.terreo@co.hays.tx.us, referencing case number HCSO 2022-67679.