Multiple patrol vehicles were involved in a high speed chase Monday night when a suspect reportedly stole a 2009 Chevy Tahoe from a home in Early. The owner of the vehicle was home at the time of the theft and heard someone get into the vehicle and drive away.
According to Early Chief of Police David Mercer, the incident occurred on Sherry Lane and then down East River Oaks where Early Police officer Williams located and attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect accelerated and led the officer, who was joined by Brown County Sheriff’s Officer RC Lehman, down several roads into the downtown Brownwood area according to the report. Onlookers reported seeing multiple law enforcement units speeding down Main Blvd in pursuit of the suspect.
The vehicle attempted to turn into Commerce Square during the chase, striking a portion of the entrance sign, and continuing on until eventually stopping as it struck a curb and drove into the lot of the Fast Lane Car Wash on Belle Plain.
The driver, identified as 26-year-old Augustus Myers of Brownwood, was believed to be intoxicated and officers reported him as being “combative”. While being taken into custody, Myers spit onto the head and neck area of Deputy RC Lehman the report states. Mercer reported that Officer Williams obtained a blood warrant and Myers was taken to the emergency room for a blood test.
Mercer reported that speeds approached 100 mph at one point in the chase and included units from the BCSO, Early PD, Brownwood PD, and Texas DPS.
Myers was booked into the Brown County Jail on charges of Theft of Property, greater or equal to $20,000 and less than $100,000; Assault on a Public Servant; Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle; Criminal Mischief, greater than $1500 and less than $20,000; Resisting Arrest; Driving While Intoxicated, 2nd; and Driving While License Invalid
Angi Reno of Early, the owner of the stolen vehicle, said that her vehicle was parked in her garage when it was stolen at approximately 8:20pm Monday night. Reno praised law enforcement’s efforts in apprehending the suspect and recovering her vehicle.
“They were awesome. They got my car back in 30 minutes,” Reno said. “Officer Williams went above and beyond.”
Top Photo: The scene on Belle Plain after officers apprehended the suspect Monday night.
