Border Patrol releases Gadsden escapee back into U.S. after claiming credible fear

22-year-old Honduran national released after being recaptured in multi-agency effort

GADSDEN, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma Sector Border Patrol agents captured an escaped 22-year-old Honduran national who escaped from a moving bus on Thursday near County 19th St. and Highway 95. As of Friday evening, officials tell News 11 that the man is in the process of being released back into the U.S. after claiming credible fear from returning to his country of origin, and will not face charges.

According to CBP, the driver of a contracted security company reported the incident around 2:30 PM. The unidentified individual broke out the emergency hatch of the bus that was en route to Mexico. He was taken back into custody at 6:30 PM after being found hiding in a drainage culvert in the area.

Yuma Sector Border Patrol said the man has no prior criminal history in the U.S., and was being processed for expedited removal from the country before his escape.

Multiple units assisted Yuma Border Patrol in the search, including the Somerton Police Department (SPD), Yuma County Sheriff's Office (YCSO), Yuma Air Branch, Border Patrol Tactical Unit and the Border Patrol Search, as well as the Trauma and Rescue Unit.

County 19th St. was blocked off around 4 PM as authorities scoured the area, just a few blocks away from Gadsden Elementary School. Cars were seen being redirected away from the area by SPD. Multiple helicopters were also seen searching the surrounding area.

In the meantime, an investigation remains underway into how the man managed to escape.