AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other law enforcement are actively searching for a sexually violent predator who fled from an east Houston halfway house this afternoon. Thomas Lee Elkins, 58, was last seen at 2:45 p.m. at the Southeast Texas Transitional Center on 10950 Beaumont Highway, where he was housed and electronically monitored.

Elkins is 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighs about 200 pounds. He has blue eyes, grey hair, a distinctive Fu Manchu moustache, wears silver glasses for reading only, and walks with a limp. He has also been known to shave his head.

At last word, Elkins was believed to be on foot.  However, he has worked as a long-haul truck driver and would fit in around any truck stop. It is a possibility he may ask other drivers for a ride.

Elkins is considered violent and has been convicted of Kidnapping, Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery.  His arrests include Indecent Liberties with a Child, Forcible Rape, Aggravated Rape and Aggravated Kidnapping.

He is now wanted for a felony charge of Failure to Comply with Civil Commitment Requirements.

Anyone with information is asked to call local police immediately.