On Tuesday afternoon, January 7, 2025, Kilgore Police officers were involved in a vehicle pursuit through downtown Kilgore after a driver fled a traffic stop. The incident began when Officer Vance Callahan conducted a traffic stop near the downtown Methodist Church for a minor violation. During the stop, the officer noticed the driver's nervous behavior and discovered the driver had multiple outstanding warrants.
As Officer Callahan waited for backup, the driver, identified as 20-year-old Dakota J. Anderson of Longview, TX, sped off, leading officers on a chase through the downtown area. Kilgore Police marked units, detectives, and KCPD officers joined the pursuit.
The chase ended on a dead-end road, where Anderson abandoned his vehicle and attempted to flee on foot. Sergeant Dukes intercepted and apprehended him.
Anderson was found to have outstanding warrants, including one from Upshur County for harassment and another from Gregg County for stalking. He now faces additional charges, including resisting arrest, evading arrest with a vehicle, and endangering a child, as his pregnant fiancée and their infant child were in the vehicle during the pursuit.
Kilgore Police emphasized their commitment to pursuing fleeing suspects, with the department noting that "few ever get away." Anderson reportedly admitted after his arrest that fleeing was a poor decision, further complicating his legal situation.
