A burglary suspect is in custody after a wild high-speed chase that started in Ellis County and ended this morning when a stolen truck slammed into a parked car in Old East Dallas. Deputies say the pursuit topped 100 mph before the driver bailed out on foot and was ultimately brought down by a K-9 unit. Authorities had not released the suspect's name or booking photo as of Friday morning.
According to FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth, deputies tried to stop the truck around 2 a.m. after responding to a burglary call in Ellis County. Investigators told the station the vehicle was confirmed stolen and hit speeds over 100 miles per hour as the chase continued into Dallas County. The truck eventually crashed into a parked car in Old East Dallas, and the driver took off running before a K-9 unit tracked the person down and made the arrest. Deputies said the individual now faces burglary and evading-arrest charges while the sheriff's office finishes its report for local media.
Charges and what they mean
Ellis County authorities say the suspect is facing burglary and evading arrest counts. Under Texas law, burglary is covered by Penal Code 30.02 and can range from a state-jail felony to a first-degree felony, depending on whether a habitation is involved or other aggravating factors are present. Evading arrest can be bumped up to a state-jail or higher felony when a vehicle is used. The statutory language is available in Penal Code 30.02 and Penal Code 38.04.
Cross-county pursuits bring added risks
High-speed chases that jump county lines and wind up on neighborhood streets have long triggered debate among North Texas law enforcement and safety advocates because they can put bystanders in the line of fire. The Dallas Morning News reported on a high-profile case last year in which a pursuit that reached Ellis County ended in a deadly crash and a lawsuit challenging how the chase was handled, highlighting how badly these incidents can go. Officials have said that local agencies routinely review their pursuit policies and coordination after such events.
The Ellis County Sheriff's Office provided the basic case details to local outlets, and deputies say the suspect in Friday's chase faces burglary and evading-arrest charges. As FOX 4 noted, the suspect's name and mugshot were not yet available at the time of reporting. Deputies said anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Ellis County Sheriff's Office.
