Kyle Hester is back in custody two weeks after walking out of an Everett courtroom following convictions on drug and firearm charges. (Photo: Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)
EVERETT, Wash. — Kyle Hester is back in custody two weeks after he walked out of a Snohomish County courtroom moments after a jury convicted him on drug and gun charges.
“Our Violent Offender Task Force has located and taken 39-year-old Kyle Hester into custody,” the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office announced Friday.
“Thank you to everyone who shared the information and assisted with efforts to locate him.”
snohomish county sheriff’s office
Judge Ordered Hester Held Without Bail
Hester appeared in Snohomish County Superior Court on July 24 for an out-of-custody trial involving charges related to methamphetamine dealing and unlawful firearm possession.
A jury convicted Hester, and prosecutors asked the judge to hold him without bail while he awaited sentencing.
When the prosecutor asked for no bail until sentencing due to the seriousness of the charges, Hester got up and walked out of the courtroom.
The judge ordered Hester to stop and remain in the courtroom. However, he continued walking and left through a first-floor fire exit at about 2:30 p.m.
Miscommunication Allowed Hester to Leave
Because Hester’s trial began while he remained out of custody, court marshals had not been called into the courtroom before the judge ordered him detained.
Bowman said a miscommunication within the court allowed Hester to leave without anyone physically stopping him.
Courthouse surveillance footage showed Hester wearing a purple shirt and khaki pants as he exited the building. Authorities last saw him heading west on Wall Street with a woman nearby.
Deputies initially asked the public to help identify the woman. Detectives later said they believed they had identified her, and authorities did not accuse her of helping Hester escape.
Task Force Captures Hester Two Weeks Later
The Snohomish County Violent Offender Task Force located and arrested Hester on Friday, Aug. 7.
However, the sheriff’s office did not disclose where investigators found him or provide details about the arrest.
“Thank you to everyone who shared the information and assisted with efforts to locate him,” the sheriff’s office said.
In addition to the drug and firearm convictions awaiting sentencing, Hester now faces an allegation of first-degree escape. The sheriff’s office previously said investigators had probable cause for that additional charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
