A high-speed pursuit that began on US 59 south of Livingston on July 22 concluded with the arrest of three suspects after their stolen pickup truck crashed near the Tyler County line.
The incident began earlier in the day when law enforcement attempted to stop the vehicle, which was later confirmed to be stolen out of Harris County. The suspects fled northbound, leading Polk County deputies through Corrigan and then eastbound onto US 287.
The vehicle lost control approximately one mile from the Tyler County line and crashed near Caney Creek. All three male suspects fled the vehicle on foot, disappearing into a nearby wooded area.
A coordinated response from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Tyler County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement led to the apprehension of two suspects shortly after the crash.
Later that afternoon, Tyler County deputies located and arrested the third suspect. All three were transported to the Polk County Jail and now face multiple charges related to the pursuit and the stolen vehicle.
Joel Reyes-Garcia was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest. Jaime Sanchez was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and evading arrest. Josue Alexander Valenzuela-Garcia was charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, engaging in organized criminal activity, evading arrest with a vehicle and prohibited substance in a correctional facility.
“This is a strong example of what can be accomplished when agencies work together,” Polk County Sheriff Byron Lyons said. “Thanks to their combined efforts, we were able to quickly bring a dangerous situation to a close without further risk to the community.”
