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BASTROP – Bastrop County Sheriff’s Department deputies found themselves in a high-speed chase Monday evening, ending with a wreckage and drawn firearms.
Patrol deputies were heading westbound on State Highway 71 when they witnessed a truck with a small trailer in tow run a stoplight, Sheriff Maurice Cook said. After initially pausing for the violation, the truck took off and led officers on a chase stretching into Travis County.
While attempting to maneuver around pedestrian traffic at top speed, the truck lost control and made contact with some of the highway’s construction equipment. Losing the trailer, the vehicle tumbled multiple times into a nearby ditch amidst a cloud of dirt, just a few yards away from the street.
“They came within a foot of hitting us and everyone in front of us. They came past so fast and so close the whole vehicle shook, like there was an 18-wheeler that just blew past us,” said Zack Johnson and Sheila Dolbow, witnesses to the chase’s conclusion.
There was no significant damage to any civilians or other vehicles. Once the truck was stopped and the dust settled, deputies were on site with guns drawn ready to handle the situation. The passenger exited the vehicle at gunpoint.
“The truck was so mangled, the driver had to get out of the passenger window, as well,” Dolbow said.
The driver was immediately taken into custody without any further altercations, and the passenger was driven to the hospital for minor injuries.
“We’re thankful for law enforcement being there and doing their job, those guys were posing a risk to everyone out there on the road, and they got it taken care of,” added Dolbow.
The reason for chase is still unknown, as the driver has yet to be interviewed following the event. The passenger has been released from the hospital, without charge.
