Civilian driver helps end police chase

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A high-speed police chase from Zavala into Frio County ended Wednesday morning, February 3, when a passing motorist used his car to run the suspect off the road, according to officers involved.
The chase began around 10 a.m. in Zavala County when sheriff’s deputies attempted to effect a traffic stop on a 2012 Kia sedan. The driver, according to a report on the case, began driving east along Highway 57 towards IH-35 at speeds reaching nearly 100 miles per hour.
Frio County deputies joined the pursuit near the intersection of FM 140 and Hwy 57, at which time officers were able to catch up with the speeding car.
According to a report on the case, deputies observed the passenger tossing two items out the window of the vehicle during the pursuit.
Texas state troopers deployed road spikes in an effort to stop the vehicle before reaching the interstate. The measure proved unsuccessful in stopping the vehicle, however, as the driver steered between the spikes.
When the pursuit reached Frio County, officers reported, a driver who had stopped his own vehicle beside Hwy 57 steered into the path of the Kia and forced the fugitive off the road.
Once stopped at the fence line, the passenger and driver fled on foot in an attempt to evade officers. The passenger was later caught by Frio County Constable Rudy Ortegon and handed over to Zavala County sheriff’s deputies.
Frio County deputies returned to the area where the passenger was seen tossing items out of the car window and found a semi-automatic compact pistol in the brush.
The passenger will face felony charges for evading arrest and unlawful possession of a firearm.
“We appreciate the good Samaritan who helped end this pursuit,” Frio County Chief Deputy Peter Salinas said. “But, we ask that the public never place themselves in harm’s way when it comes to police pursuits.”