Project Safe Neighborhood officers in Dallas arrested a 24-year-old man on Monday after he allegedly stole a person's phone and vehicle at gunpoint around 11:00 a.m. and led police onto Interstate 30. Investigators say the suspect drove the stolen car to the 13300 block of Amanda Lane, where officers forced the vehicle to a stop, and the driver bailed out on foot. Police identified him as 24-year-old Damarquis Cotton and reported that he was found with the victim's cellphone and an airsoft pistol loaded with live rounds. The investigation is documented under case number 071074-2026, and authorities say additional charges are pending.
How Officers Tracked The Stolen Vehicle
According to the Dallas Police Department, Project Safe Neighborhood officers first spotted the stolen vehicle near the 13100 block of North Central Expressway and called in Air1 and additional units to help with the stop. The car was then driven to Amanda Lane, where officers managed to bring it to a halt. When they ordered the driver out, police say he ran, but officers pursued and took him into custody.
Suspect, Evidence And Charges
Police say Cotton was arrested at the scene, and officers recovered both the stolen cellphone and an airsoft pistol that was loaded with real bullets. He is facing a charge of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, classified as a third-degree felony, and investigators say additional counts could follow as they review body-worn camera footage and witness statements. The department has not released information on his arraignment, bond, or whether anyone was injured during the incident.
Case Status And Official Log
The Dallas Police Department has recorded the investigation under case number 071074-2026 and confirmed that Project Safe Neighborhood units led the operation, according to the Dallas Police Department update. Detectives are continuing to process evidence and interview witnesses as they decide whether to pursue additional charges.
Legal Implications
Evading arrest or detention with a vehicle is a felony-level offense and, if it results in a conviction, can bring significant prison time. Prosecutors may also consider weapons-related charges given the reported discovery of a loaded pistol. Any further filings would be handled by the Dallas County District Attorney's Office, which will determine how the case moves through the courts. For now, police say the investigation remains active and that more information will be released as it becomes available.
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