KILGORE, TX — A months-long, multi-state manhunt for a Texas sexual assault and domestic strangulation suspect has ended with an arrest in Kansas, following a persistent investigation by a Kilgore Police Department detective who refused to let the trail go cold.
Onyx Gibson was taken into custody on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, by police officers in Independence, Kansas, acting on information developed by Kilgore authorities. Gibson is currently awaiting extradition back to Texas to face multiple felony charges.
Suspect Flees Texas, Evades Initial Arrest
The case began in March 2026 when Kilgore police filed charges against Gibson for Sexual Assault and Assault Strangulation Family Violence. Former Kilgore Detective Jacobo Lira successfully developed probable cause and secured felony arrest warrants.
Kilgore police initially coordinated with the Gregg County Sheriff's Office (GCSO) patrol division to apprehend Gibson, but the suspect managed to evade capture and fled the state, prompting a wider search.
The investigation was recently reassigned to Detective Torres upon his transfer into the Kilgore PD Criminal Investigations Division. Det. Torres tracked Gibson's trail into Arkansas, but the suspect moved again, causing the lead to momentarily dry up.
Detective Tracks Gas Station Clue to Kansas
Refusing to leave the active warrants entirely to automated tracking systems, Det. Torres continued digging into Gibson's background for weeks. He eventually uncovered information suggesting Gibson had taken a job at "Pete's," a regional gas station chain operating exclusively in Missouri, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Though digital investigative tools failed to generate a definitive employment match, Det. Torres narrowed the search parameters and discovered that Gibson had relocated to Independence, Kansas, though his exact residential address remained unknown.
Torres contacted the Independence Police Department to coordinate local surveillance. The joint effort paid off when investigators discovered Gibson was actively working at a local AutoZone auto parts store.
The Arrest & Next Legal Steps: On July 7, 2026, Det. Torres and Independence authorities finalized an operational plan. The following day, July 8, Kansas officers moved in on the AutoZone location and arrested Gibson without incident.
Upon his extradition back to Gregg County, Texas, sheriff's deputies will formally serve the outstanding strangulation warrant, and the Kilgore Police Department will finalize the case files for presentation to the local District Attorney's Office.
Kilgore Police Department leadership publicly commended Detective Torres' tenacity, noting that his persistence in tracking a transient danger to society directly reflects the department's core mission and values.
The department notes that the investigation into Gibson remains open. Anyone who believes they may have been a victim or who possesses additional information relevant to this suspect is strongly encouraged to call the Kilgore Police Department at 903-983-1559 and request to speak directly with a detective.
