LIVINGSTON, TX — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of 20-year-old Sidney Blake Murphrey after an hours-long pursuit that began with a stolen tractor report on Monday, August 18, 2025.
Tractor Theft Leads to Pursuit
Deputies responded to a report of a stolen tractor from the Southland Plantation subdivision. Detectives tracked the tractor to a nearby location, where several individuals were seen. Two male suspects fled on foot, prompting a chase.
A search warrant was obtained for the property, and the stolen tractor was recovered and returned to its owner.
Multi-Agency Search
The suspects were identified as Sidney Blake Murphrey and Christopher Shawn Smith. Law enforcement agencies including the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, Texas Game Wardens, Alabama-Coushatta Police Department, and Onalaska Police Department assisted in the search.
Murphrey was later spotted stealing recreational vehicles and hiding inside a building. During the pursuit, he rammed Sheriff Byron Lyons’ vehicle before ultimately being captured.
Arrest and Charges
Murphrey was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces the following charges:
-
Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant (F1)
-
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle x2 (SJF)
-
Evading Arrest/Detention with Previous Conviction x2 (SJF)
-
Parole Violation – Evading Arrest with a Vehicle (F3)
-
Liberty County Warrants: Theft of Property ≥ $2,500 < $30,000 x2 (SJF)
-
Liberty County Warrant: Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle
The second suspect, Christopher Shawn Smith, remains at large. Smith, who has an active misdemeanor warrant for Theft of Property, is expected to face additional charges connected to the August 18 incident. Deputies noted Smith often grows facial hair to conceal a distinctive tattoo on his chin.
Public Assistance Requested
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating Christopher Shawn Smith. Anyone with information is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office at (936) 327-6810, submit an anonymous tip through p3tips.com or the P3 App, or contact Polk County Crime Stoppers at 936-327-STOP.
Anonymous tips that lead to an arrest may be eligible for a cash reward.
