MADISONVILLE, Texas - Two men were arrested Saturday evening after a traffic violation led to a brief pursuit and the discovery of suspected narcotics and drug distribution materials, according to the Madisonville Police Department.
An officer observed a blue Dodge Ram 1500 around 5:15 p.m. turning from North May Street onto Dale Street without signaling within the required distance before continuing southbound onto Mimosa Street. When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver accelerated and drove recklessly through a residential neighborhood.
The vehicle was quickly located on Summit Street and pulled into the Summit Street Apartments at 1102 Summit St., where officers initiated a traffic stop. Police said the driver, identified as Dakeldric Washington, exited the vehicle and fled on foot.
Officers from the Madisonville Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Game Wardens responded to assist. During the pursuit, Washington was observed discarding several objects before being apprehended without force in the 100 block of East Limit Street.
Investigators recovered the discarded items, which authorities said included suspected controlled substances and materials associated with the manufacture or delivery of narcotics. Officers reported seizing approximately 42.6 grams of suspected cocaine, 5.1 grams of suspected crack cocaine, about 1.089 ounces of suspected marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.
Following further investigation, officers established probable cause linking passenger Dedrick Whaley to the controlled substances. Both Washington and Whaley were arrested and transported to the Madison County Jail.
Authorities said the men were booked on felony charges including manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance between four and 200 grams, manufacture or delivery of marijuana under five pounds, and money laundering between $2,500 and $35,000.
Police credited assisting agencies for their response and said proactive enforcement efforts will continue as part of ongoing community safety initiatives.
