March 27, 2015 - A chase ensued on Friday, March 27, 2015 sometime around 10:30pm when a driver allegedly failed to comply with Center Police Officers on Loop 500.
Several individuals occupied a blue Chrysler 300 as it led officers on a high speed chase down County Road 2050 (Africa Road). After several miles and before the vehicle reached State Highway 87 South, officers performed a precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuver which quickly brought the car to a stop on the dirt roadway.
Additional officers from the Shelby County Sheriff's Department arrived at the scene to provide support, and Texas Department of Public State Trooper Jade Lavergne to investigate the vehicle collision.
Shelby County Today was on scene when prescription bottles were located in the vehicle as well as alcohol. Officers searched the roadway previous to the collision site where it was suspected narcotics were thrown from the vehicle and whatever substance was allegedly tossed from the vehicle was found.
According to jail records Danie (Danny) Larome Bell, 38, of Center was arrested for evading arrest with vehicle, delivery of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, unlawful restraint and on a warrant for parole violation. Two women from the vehicle were taken into custody and transported to the Center Police Department jail. Neither of the vehicles received more than cosmetic damage. More information will be provided on Shelby County Today via a press release provided by the Center Police Department.
(Update) : According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Jade Lavergne, on March 27, 2015 at 10:47pm on CR 2050 a white 2010 Chevy Tahoe with Center Police Department driven by Detective Christopher Knowlton, 30, and a approved ride along passenger Kevin Sage, 53, had lights and sirens on and was in pursuit of a vehicle.
The vehicle being pursued was a 2008 Blue Chrysler 300 driven Danny Bell, 38, with front right passenger Laquita Watts, 38, and back right pass Denise Nobles, 41. After attempting to stop the Chrysler, a PIT maneuver was attempted by Detective Knowlton and this caused Bell to lose control of the Chrysler.
Detective Knowlton then intentionally rear-ended the Chrysler to prevent the occupants from fleeing. Both vehicles came to a complete stop and the three occupants were taken into custody.
