Escapee Captured In Ellis County

David Weldon Rowe - Ellis Co. Escapee

UPDATE: 2:10PM Tuesday - David Rowe has been captured according to the Ellis County Sheriff's Department.

He apparently slept in an RV in the area last night, according to authorities. 

Authorities searching for him found him walking from a creek bed.

He now faces a felony escape charge.

Rowe was treated for dehydration and minor scrapes and scratches.

No officers were injured in his apprehension.

UPDATE 10PM - Ellis County searchers believe they have cornered David Rowe in a heavily wooded area of the county. Deputies and dogs will work the area where they believe him to be until he is back in custody, so the search continues overnight.

ELLIS COUNTY (CBSDFW.COM) - A search is underway for an inmate who escaped from Ellis County custody.

Authorities are looking for David Weldon Rowe, 67, who was in jail for DWI, evading arrest, disorderly conduct and fraud.

The Ellis County Sheriff's Department says Rowe walked away from weed-eating detail shortly after 10:00 a.m. Monday.

The search focused on an area west of Waxahachie around FM 1446 and Lone Elm Road. The roads were backed up for hours as officers checked trunks of cars and even searched homes and backyards.

Braidin Nail was babysitting two little girls when police showed up. "I saw them coming up and down the street and it freaked me out."

Police searched her employer's shed and trailer for any sign of Rowe.

"They told me it was an older man, white hair, beard that he was dangerous, and he was last wearing a blue jumpsuit," said Nail.

Helicopters, horses and search dogs are being used in the manhunt.

Area homeowners were told to lock their doors and vehicles were being searched.

Stuck behind the wheel, Tim Whatley watched and waited as K9 units and helicopters searched for any trace of Rowe.

"They're looking in all the vehicles. In the trunks. They're not letting anyone go straight down," said Whatley.