A routine traffic stop turned into a full-blown police operation on Wednesday when Frisco Police Department officers arrested a fugitive after a chase that led to a nearby church. According to the Frisco Police Department, the incident began near Preston Road and Stonebrook Parkway after a vehicle was stopped for running a red light at approximately 1:13 p.m.
The driver, who initially gave a false name and date of birth, was later identified as Daniel Ryan Keith, aged 34, and was found to be wanted for a probation violation related to family violence; moreover, he was known to possibly carry a weapon, after the officer conducted the traffic stop, Keith exited his vehicle and fled on foot towards the First Frisco Global Methodist Church, prompting a chase.
Police lost sight of Keith but were informed by church staff that he had entered their main building, the ensuing response included securing a preschool within the church grounds, which was swiftly placed on lockdown. The children were safely released to their parents following a carefully managed pick-up plan coordinated with the church staff.
As SWAT teams arrived, the search for Keith intensified, employing drones for a room-by-room search until a tip led officers to discover him concealed in the ceiling of one part of the building; he was apprehended without further incident. "I’d like to express my appreciation for the skill, patience, and resolve exhibited by the officers in this incident," said Frisco Police Chief David Shilson, as per the Frisco Police Department, acknowledging the coordination with church staff and the police department's efforts leading to a safe resolution.
Following his capture, Keith faced multiple charges including an outstanding warrant from Montgomery County, as well as charges for running a red light, expired registration, failure to ID as a fugitive, and evading arrest. His bond was set at $53,000.
