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3 juvenile offenders beat correctional officer, escape Texas facility

The unit known for pursuing violent fugitives was called in because one of the escapees is charged with capital murder

By Deborah Wrigley
ABC News

HOUSTON — Three juveniles, two of which were certified earlier to stand trial as adults, overpowered a guard at Harris County’s Juvenile Justice Center early this morning. They remain on the run, with the Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force searching for them.

The unit known for pursuing violent fugitives was called in because one of the escapees is charged with capital murder and aggravated assault in a pair of shootings outside two Houston nightclubs in March. Alferis Coby was only 15 when he was arrested. He was certified as an adult in court last month.

Sixteen-year-old Jahrell West is charged with aggravated robbery. He too, was certified as an adult to stand trial.

The third escapee is 16, but has not been declared an adult. Neither his name, nor the charge against him is being released because, under the law, he is still a minor.

Full story: 3 juvenile offenders beat correctional officer, escape Texas facility

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