On Monday, June 8th at approximately 2:30 pm the Navarro County Sheriff's Office received information about a wanted armed and dangerous parole violator who had been seen in a white Chrysler mini van in Dawson. Deputies had previously received information via an officer safety bulletin that the suspect had made statements that he wasn't going back to jail and would shoot officers that attempted contact with him. As the first deputy arrived in the area, he observed the possible suspect vehicle leaving the Dollar General. As the suspect vehicle proceeded east on Highway 31 out of Dawson, a second NCSO unit arrived in the area. The suspect vehicle turned off Highway 31 onto FM 667 and the deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

The suspect initially stopped and released a female passenger on FM 667 then fled in the vehicle throughout the county and ultimately into Corsicana. During the pursuit an NCSO detective was able to make phone contact with the suspect who stated that the deputies better shoot him when he stopped because he was going to stab them. During the course of the lengthy pursuit, numerous NCSO, CPD and DPS units combined to attempt to apprehend this violent offender. The pursuit ended with a traffic crash involving the suspect and a Corsicana Police Unit on West 7th Avenue in Corsicana after the suspect drove through the back parking lot of the Collin Street Bakery and into oncoming traffic in front of HEB.

I applaud the courage of the officers today who dealt with this dangerous situation displaying the utmost professionalism. We are blessed and very fortunate to not only get this type of violent offender off the street, but that the Corsicana Police officer involved sustained non life threatening injuries. I am very proud that no citizens were injured today and this violent offender is in custody at the Navarro County Justice center where he will face additional felony charges.

Sheriff Elmer Tanner