March 2, 2024 - What began as an attempt as a motorist assist in Shelby County Friday night, March 1, 2024, developed into a high-speed pursuit that traveled around 10 miles and ended in a fiery crash in San Augustine County.
When San Augustine firefighters arrived at the scene, the Dodge Charger involved was engulfed in flames and they worked to extinguish the flames as quickly as possible and prevent any further spread into a wooded area.
Once the fire was out, law enforcement officials with Texas Department of Public Safety, San Augustine Sheriff’s Department, Center Police Department, Shelby County Sheriff’s Department and Jamie Hagler, Constable Precinct 2, joined with fire personnel in searching the wooded area for the driver of the car.
Assistance from Center Police Department and Roy Cheatwood, Constable Precinct 3, were requested and they searched the area with infrared drones. While another from San Augustine was also utilized.
Center Police Sgt. Brian Wright and K9 Enzo also entered the woods in search of a trail leading to the suspect.
According to Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper Keith Jones, at around 7:59pm he was working patrol on U.S. Highway 96 and after just completing a traffic stop on the northbound side he was preparing to turn back to head south. As he crossed back over onto the southbound side, there was a vehicle on the southbound shoulder with active emergency flashers.
Trooper Jones pulled in behind the Dodge for a motorist assist and to see if they might have a flat tire. Not long before pulling over behind the vehicle, it took off and Trooper Jones pursued while the Dodge had its lights blacked out. Several erratic maneuvers were made as the Dodge continued its attempt at outrunning the DPS unit.
The Dodge finally slowed and went the shoulder to make a u-turn, at that time Trooper Jones used his vehicle as a tool to stop the vehicle. The Dodge continued for a distance before leaving the roadway to the right and striking a tree. The suspect then exited the vehicle and left on foot. The vehicle later caught on fire and then developed into a fully involved fire.
Reasons for the driver to flee have not been determined and the driver has not yet been apprehended, but has been identified and warrants will be issued.
This incident remains under investigation.
