On Monday, July 29, 2024, Sirius XM reported a stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Highway I-20 into Harrison County. The vehicle had been stolen in Mississippi.
Harrison County Sheriff Deputies spotted the vehicle, a Dodge Ram 1500 occupied by three suspects, around mile marker 604 in Hallsville. After the operator made eye contact with one of the deputies, a high-speed chase ensued, reaching speeds of 115 mph.
Multiple agencies, including the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, Smith County Sheriff's Office, and Texas Highway Patrol, assisted in the pursuit. Several attempts to spike the vehicle's tires were unsuccessful. Deputies continued the chase into Smith County, where they handed over the pursuit to Smith County Deputies around 9 AM. The suspects exited onto Jim Hogg Road near Lindale and opened fire on the pursuing deputies.
The pursuit continued to U.S. 69 in Lindale, then returned to I-20 West, ultimately reaching the Van Zandt County line. As the suspects attempted to exit the interstate again, the vehicle rolled over. It was later discovered that a Smith County Deputy's return fire struck the driver in the leg, causing the vehicle to lose control and crash. All three suspects were taken into custody.
Due to the officer-involved shooting, the Texas Rangers will aid in the investigation, with additional assistance from Lindale Police and Van Police. Two of the suspects have been identified: 26-year-old Bykearean Javar Green of Dallas and a 16-year-old juvenile.
