V Hugh Lewis II/Jefferson Jimplecute
Marion County law enforcement had a busier than normal July 4 holiday weekend involving three high-speed car chases, a major accident, assisting an officer-involved shooting, and a burglary of a local business.
Events started Sunday afternoon as MCSO and JPD officers responded to a request by Panola County Sheriff’s Office for assistance in stopping a vehicle on US59. JPD and Harrison County officers deployed stop strips, but the vehicle, a red BMW, had “run flat” tires and was able to continue fleeing. A third set of strips were deployed in Linden and the vehicle crashed near FM249 and CR4809 in the Atlanta city limits.
Quantrail Demetress Parker of St. Louis, Mo., attempted to flee on foot but was arrested. A “large amount of illegal substances were recovered” in the vehicle.
Sunday evening Harrison County Sheriff’s deputies requested assistance as a Harleton man, Robert Daniel Smith, entered Marion County near FM2208, and indicated “shots had been fired.” Smith was wanted for a shooting in Gladewater but was a Harrison County resident.
When MCSO officers arrived, Smith, had been apprehended and was being transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. No officers were injured. TxDPS is investigating.
A third high speed chase occurred Tuesday afternoon as TxDPS officer Wilson attempted to stop a vehicle which chose to flee. The vehicle was travelling over 80mph on Tx49E as he travelled through Jefferson. Eventually the vehicle crossed over into Louisiana and wrecked near Oil City by crashing into a railroad crossing signal.
Local business Texas 49 Crossing was robbed late Saturday evening.
Officers with JPD observed that the Texas 49 Crossing business had been burglarized during their regular security checks. JPD and MCSO officers contacted the business owners and began searching for and collecting evidence. It is estimated that the suspects made off with approximately $7,500.00 worth of inventory and cash. The investigation into this burglary is ongoing. Anyone with any information concerning this case is requested to contact the Jefferson Police Department at 903-665-2432.
Finally on Monday a major traffic accident at the intersection of FM2208 and US59N. Please see additional story in this edition for more information.