*4:45pm: In an update from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the following news release was issued:
This morning at 8:13 a.m. near mile marker 314, east of Baird, Texas, a 1996 Chevrolet pickup was traveling east on Interstate 20. Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Eric Pechacek attempted to stop the Chevrolet pickup for a traffic violation. The pickup stopped and then took off at a high rate of speed, weaving through traffic and off of the roadway. As Trooper Pechacek continued to attempt to stop the fleeing pickup, a black Honda Accord began to block and interfere with the troopers efforts. The trooper called for assistance and the Honda Accord was stopped by Cisco Police Department in Eastland County.
Troopers attempted to spike the Chevrolet pickup, but efforts were unsuccessful. The troopers made the decision to shoot out a back tire due to the danger the Chevrolet pickup had become to other motorists. The back tire was shredded at eastbound mile marker 334 and the pickup continued to mile marker 342, where the driver drove off of the roadway at the Leon River Bridge and jumped from the vehicle as it crashed into the creek bed. The driver fled the area on foot. Several large bags full of smaller bags of marijuana were discovered in the back seat of the 1996 Chevrolet pickup.The driver has been identified as Adrian Alberto Garcia of Fort Worth. Officials believe him to still be in the Eastland County area and on foot. The search continues for Garcia, Hispanic\male, 19 years of age, five foot seven inches tall weighing 145 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Garcia’s last known address is in Fort Worth, Texas. Additional agencies have joined in the manhunt along with tracking dogs from T.D.C.J. and a helicopter from TXDPS.
Ageuclid Leon, born in 1993 and Jennifer Bennion, born in 1991 were the occupants of the black Honda Accord. Both are believed to be from the Fort Worth area. Both females are being charged with aggravated assault on a peace officer.
*Noon: Authorities are searching for a suspect who took off running after police shot out the tires in his vehicle following a chase this morning.
Adrian Alberto Garcia (pictured left) was involved in a car chase that started in Callahan County, near Baird, Texas about 8:15 a.m. and ended in Eastland County around 9:00 this morning near the Leon River. Mile marker 342 along I-20 in Eastland County is where the pursuit ended according to law enforcement officials.
According to Department of Public Safety officials, Adrian Alberto Garcia abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. At present tracking dogs, helicopters and several police agencies are searching the area.
Authorities are concerned that someone may innocently offer this dangerous criminal a ride and become a crime statistic.
The suspect is out on foot, and it is currently unknown if he’s armed.
The suspect is a 19-year-old male and although no clothing description is known, Garcia is described to be a Hispanic male, 5’ 7” tall and approximately 145 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.
Anyone with information regarding Garcia’s whereabouts should call the Texas Department of Public Safety, your local police or sheriff’s department immediately.
