March 26, 2021 - An individual arrested by the Shelby County Sheriff's Department became the subject of a manhunt when he allegedly stole a patrol vehicle Thursday, March 25, 2021.
Matthew Bennett, 37, of Beckville was under arrest in the Joaquin area around 4pm in the afternoon on a warrant and placed into a patrol vehicle. According to Sheriff Kevin Windham, Bennett somehow was able to free himself and while still handcuffed got into the driver's seat of the Sheriff's Department Chevrolet Tahoe and fled.
As the patrol unit was last seen in vicinity of U.S. Highway 84 and FM 699 officers from a multitude of agencies converged on the area. As Sheriff's Department units were searching the area, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) joined them in scouring the nearby roadways.
Constables from Precinct 4, 5 and 3 all joined in assisting the Sheriff's Department. Units with the Panola County Sheriff's Department and a constable from there were stationed at the intersection of FM 699 and U.S. Highway 84.
All units, including Panola County Sheriff Kevin Lake, moved to a location on CR 4550 at 5:15pm near an oil pad site where they searched a wooded area for the vehicle and suspect. It was later determined Bennett had fired a weapon at that location prior to the arrival of deputies.
Once another sighting had been reported, the units cleared the oil pad site. As the search continued, the assistance of a Texas Department of Public Safety helicopter was requested and the location of the vehicle confirmed on a property off FM 699. While officers with the Sheriff's Department and DPS attempted to make contact with Bennett, who was still in the Tahoe, the helicopter flew overhead and announced over a loud speaker, "This is the state police, come out with your hands up, surrender you're surrounded."
For many arduous hours officers tried communicating with Bennett, who had three weapons in his possession, and tried reasoning with him.
Deputies with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Department were requested to the scene to potentially assist using their drone unit.
Meanwhile Center Police Department officers were prepared to move in, if necessary and assist in reclaiming the stolen Tahoe. At around 10:50pm, the Center PD unit moved in, assisted by Constable Roy Cheatwood, Deputy Heather Burnaman, Game Wardens Sam Anderson and Austin Cryer; and were able to take Bennett into custody without incident. He was later examined by EMS and no injury was reported.
The Tahoe appeared to have received extensive damage inside and out as a result of the incident, and it was towed from the location by Hughes Wrecker Service.
After being placed in custody, Bennett was taken to the Shelby County Jail where he was charged with escape from custody, misdemeanor a; unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, felony 4; resisting arrest, misdemeanor a; and evading arrest with vehicle, felony 4.
March 25, 2021 - (Update 10:58pm) The suspect is in custody without incident.
(Update 10:10pm): Sheriff Kevin Windham states the area has been secured for the safety of the citizens in the area off FM 699.
The suspect remains in the vehicle and is surrounded while officers continue to negotiate with the suspect.
The roadway is blocked from CR 3129 to CR 3689 on FM 699 and anyone needing to get through this area should take an alternate route.
Law enforcement currently have FM 699 blocked off due to negotiations with a suspect who earlier today, March 25 stole a Sheriff’s Department vehicle.
After taking the vehicle, the suspect evaded law enforcement until he was located on FM 699 around 7:30pm with the assistance of a DPS helicopter. The vehicle with the suspect still inside is surrounded at this time.
Shelby County Today will update as more information becomes available.
