A wanted 36-year-old man is back in custody after El Paso County deputies say a brief foot chase followed an earlier escape attempt while he was being medically cleared. Deputies reported spotting Christopher Garcia, who had an active warrant, in the 1000 block of NE Camp in the Fabens area on Thursday and taking him into custody after a short pursuit. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility and is being held on a total bond of $39,000.
Deputies say they recognized Garcia as having an outstanding warrant and followed him into the 1000 block of NE Camp, where he took off on foot and led them on a short chase. During the stop, the sheriff's office says Garcia became combative, so deputies used a Taser to gain control before arresting him, according to Sheriff Oscar Ugarte on a Facebook post.
Charges and booking
According to the sheriff's post, Garcia was originally wanted on a charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle. After Thursday's incident, he was booked on additional allegations that include resisting arrest, assault on a peace officer, escape while arrested or confined, and an alleged attempt to take an officer's weapon. He is being held on a total bond of $39,000, as detailed by Sheriff Oscar Ugarte on a Facebook post. The sheriff added, "We will use all lawful means necessary to ensure individuals who flee from law enforcement are apprehended and held accountable."
Where this fits in local enforcement efforts
The arrest comes as the sheriff's Fugitive Apprehension Unit continues a long-running push to track down people with outstanding warrants. That unit reported arresting 16 fugitives during a concentrated operation last spring, highlighting an ongoing effort to clear warrants in El Paso County, as per Hoodline.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, evading arrest or detention, especially when a vehicle is involved, can be elevated to a felony offense; see Justia. Escape from custody is a separate crime that may also be charged as a felony, depending on the circumstances; see Justia. Assault against a public servant or peace officer can likewise be treated as a felony under the state's assault statute; see Texas Legislature Online.
