Man Escapes Snohomish County Courthouse Friday Afternoon

EVERETT, Wash. — Deputies are searching for Kyle Hester, who escaped from the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse after a judge ordered him into custody Thursday afternoon.

Hester was being taken into custody at the Everett courthouse when he fled. He already had warrants for unlawful possession of a firearm and now also faces a warrant for escape.

“The male pictured below in the purple shirt escaped from the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse around 2:30 p.m. today.”

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office

Deputies Have Probable Cause for Escape

The escape happened following a hearing at the courthouse, located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave. According to the sheriff’s office, the judge informed Hester that authorities would take him into custody.

However, Hester then escaped from the courthouse. Deputies said they have probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of first-degree escape.

Authorities released a courthouse surveillance image showing Hester wearing a light purple shirt and khaki pants.

Detectives Identify Female Associate

Deputies initially asked the public to help identify a woman photographed with the suspect. Later, detectives said they believed they had identified her.

Meanwhile, the sheriff’s office continues to seek the public’s help locating Hester.

Anyone with immediate information about his whereabouts should call 911. Authorities did not immediately explain why the judge ordered him into custody.

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