PECOS COUNTY, Texas — The Texas Rangers are investigating an incident that occurred Sunday afternoon where an escaped Sutton County jail inmate led multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Pecos County Sheriff's Office, on a highway pursuit into Pecos County. The escapee later died at an Odessa hospital after a shootout with a Pecos County deputy.
On March 10, the Sutton County Sheriff's Office reported that a Sutton County jail inmate escaped custody at around 2:45 p.m. According to SCSO, the escapee stole a vehicle from the Sutton County jail parking lot and led law enforcement in the city of Sonora on a high speed chase going westbound on I-10.
Along the way, the escapee carjacked a woman at a Crockett County roadside parking area west of Ozona. He then continued to lead law enforcement on the high speed chase.
According to PCSO, Pecos County deputies joined SCSO in the pursuit that was going west on I-10 in Pecos County at around 3:30 p.m.
During the pursuit, the Texas Department of Public Safety was able to effectively deploy a tire deflation device, causing a deflated tire on the vehicle the escapee allegedly carjacked.
The suspect took the Bakersfield exit and drove into an Exxon gas station parking lot. The escapee then attempted to take another car at gunpoint. A Pecos County deputy then engaged in gunfire.
The escapee was struck by one of the gunshots and was transported to an Odessa hospital where he later died.
The Pecos County deputy involved in the shootout has been placed on paid administrative leave as per PCSO's policy.
The involved deputy's name will not be released at this time.
The Texas Rangers are leading the ongoing investigation.