A vehicle pursuit into Polk County ended in Livingston Monday morning, and resulted in a Missouri man’s arrest on multiple charges.
Around 11 a.m., Livingston Police Department officers were notified by the San Jacinto County Sheriff’s Office of a stolen vehicle from Calhoun County (Port Lavaca area) that was possibly headed into their jurisdiction on State Highway 146.
Shortly after receiving the notification, officers located the stolen vehicle traveling northbound on State Highway 146, just south of the city limits. Officers attempted a traffic stop in the area of Red Barn Builders Supply, but the driver fled through the parking lot. An LPD officer conducted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver in an attempt to prevent the suspect from fleeing back onto 146.
The suspect continued to flee, and a second PIT maneuver was conducted shortly afterward on SH 146. Despite the maneuver, the suspect continued to evade into the city of Livingston.
As the pursuit continued north, a deputy with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office successfully deployed spike strips near Garner Street. The suspect continued evading officers despite the disabled tires. As the suspect approached a red light at North Houston Avenue and East Church Street, a third PIT maneuver was conducted in an attempt to end the pursuit and prevent potential collisions at the intersection. The maneuver successfully prevented the vehicle from entering the intersection.
The suspect then continued to flee on East Church Street and collided with an LPD K-9 unit. Officers attempted to box in the suspect’s vehicle to prevent additional collisions.
The pursuit continued onto Old Woodville Road, where the suspect left the roadway. He then fled on foot into a wooded area. Officers and deputies pursued the suspect across a creek. After the suspect refused commands to stop, a taser was successfully deployed, and the suspect was taken into custody.
The suspect, identified as William Rivera, 22, of Lee’s Summit, Mo., has been charged with unauthorized use of a vehicle and evading arrest/detention with a vehicle.
“This is a great example of the difficult and split-second decisions officers are forced to make in dangerous situations,” Livingston Police Chief David Mitchell said. “Our officers handled the situation with professionalism and brought the pursuit to a safe conclusion. The suspect is in custody, and no one was injured.”
