After Pursuit, Suspect Eludes Officers In Woods

The driver of a vehicle that fled from a State Trooper got away after officers spiked his vehicle Monday night, June 14.

However, Sgt. Darryl Tidwell of the Texas Department of Public Safety said they’ve identified a possible suspect from evidence left in the vehicle. Tidwell said a local trooper attempted to stop a blue 2006 Chevy Silverado around 11 p.m. on SH 71 near Kirtley. The vehicle was heading east and failed to stop. A chase ensued. Deputies with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office set up a spike strip near the Hwy. 77 overpass. The Chevy drove over the spikes, deflating its tires. Unfortunately, the trooper hit the spikes as well before they could be removed.

Tidwell said the Trooper lost sight of the Chevy as it continued east and exited at Old Ellinger Highway on the east side of La Grange. Troopers later found the vehicle in the 1500 block of Old Ellinger Highway, where the suspect fled on foot.

“We brought out a drone to search the area,” Tidwell said. “We gave it a really good effort. We got out on foot and went several miles into the woods.”

Officers spent several hours searching for the suspect, but they were unable to find him, Tidwell said.

Tidwell said officers recovered evidence from inside the vehicle that pointed to a possible suspect.

“We have a lead,” he said.

No arrest has been made as of Tuesday, June 16. Tidwell said he did not know why the suspect fled from DPS. He said the vehicle had not been reported stolen, at least so far.

If anyone knows anything about the suspect, please contact the Texas Highway Patrol Office in La Grange at (979) 338-6030.