Caldwell County inmate escapes

LOCKHART, Texas (KXAN) - A Caldwell County jail inmate escapes while working in Lockhart State Park.

Prisoner Eddie Espinoza Gonzales, age 35, had nine days left on a 180 day sentence.  He was in jail for driving with a suspended license and failure to appear in court.

Gonzales, considered a "trusty-status" inmate was working at the Lockhart State Park at 4179 State Park Rd in Lockhart when he was reported missing by Lockhart State Park officials between 10:30am and 12:00pm on Friday. 

A black and white striped uniform was found in a workshop and a pair of green Texas Parks and Wildlife pants and a yellow raincoat were missing. 

A search of the park failed to locate the inmate. 

An arrest warrant for felony escape has been issued for Gonzales.  Prior to his escape Gonzales shaved his facial hair and cut his collar length hair.  Gonzales is 6'1", has brown eyes, and has a tattoo of a long stemmed rose just below the bend of the right elbow.

Detectives are trying to determine why a low risk inmate like Gonzales would escape from custody within days of his release.

Caldwell County Sheriff's deputies are conducting an intensive investigation to locate Gonzalez. 

Anyone with information regarding the location of Gonzales should contact the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office at 512-398-6747.