Texas fugitive on the run for 29 years arrested

Miya Shay Image
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Galveston Co. fugitive on the run for 29 years arrested
A man who rescued Diane Sanchez says "it's the closest thing to a miracle" that she survived after the incident.

GALVESTON, Texas -- Authorities in Galveston County have arrested a fugitive who has been on the run for 29 years after a woman was left for dead.

Luis Calderon was wanted for aggravated kidnapping and attempted murder.

Officials said the victim, Diane Sanchez, was found in a "horrific condition" on the night of July 4, 1991, by good Samaritan Earl Peugh.

Lt. Tommy Hansen described the moment as an "act of God" because Sanchez was left on a dead-end road way at 1 a.m., but Peugh happened to turn around in the area after experiencing vehicle troubles.

Sanchez was then transported to UTMB where she was able to recover from her injuries.

Within about a day, Calderon was booked into Galveston County Jail. At a later time, his bond was reduced, and when he left the jail, he wasn't seen again until about one week ago.

Hansen says Calderon was found in El Salvador, where his family is originally from.

WATCH: Galveston Co. Sheriff's Office announces arrest 29 years after woman left for dead

This is what the family of an attempted murder victim said about the arrest of a fugitive on the run for nearly three decades.