WASHINGTON – The U.S. Marshals have added to their ”15 Most Wanted “ list of fugitives a man serving three life sentences who escaped custody during his transport from Huntsville, Texas, to Stiles, Texas.

During the escape, Arcade Joseph Comeaux, Jr. allegedly produced a weapon and fired upon two correctional officers, took them hostage and forced them to drive to Baytown, Texas, where he restrained the officers in the back of the van, took their firearms and one of their uniforms.

Comeaux’s escape is all the more surprising since authorities had mistakenly believed he was paralyzed following a stroke, and was wheelchair bound. Comeaux fled on foot following his escape.

“Comeaux has demonstrated a long history of incredibly violent behavior and complete disregard for the law,” said John F. Clark, Director of the U.S. Marshals Service. “There is no question he will resort to his violent ways again so his arrest is a top priority for the Marshals.”

Comeaux was in prison after being convicted of aggravated sexual assault of a child and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. According to Texas authorities, the weapons conviction stemmed from a 1999 incident where he stabbed his wife 17 times while she was visiting him in prison.

He now faces additional charges of kidnapping and one charge of escape out of Montgomery County, Texas. He is also wanted on a warrant for unlawful flight to avoid prosecution by the U.S. Marshals Service.

Comeaux is a 49-year-old black male. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 220 pounds. He has salt-and-pepper black hair and a receding hairline.

A $25,000 reward is offered for information leading directly to Comeaux’s arrest. He is considered to be armed and dangerous. If you have information about his whereabouts, contact your nearest U.S. Marshals office or call the Marshals’ 24-hour hotline at 1-800-336-0102.

The U.S. Marshals Service is the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agency. For more information on U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted fugitives and Major Cases, go to www.usmarshals.gov.

     Updated News Release