In an incident that unfolded on Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 7:50 a.m., local authorities in Crandall initiated a traffic stop on a subject believed to be involved in a recent burglary in Combine, Texas. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the suspect refused to comply with the stop, resulting in a pursuit by law enforcement.
During the pursuit, the suspect managed to elude the pursuing officers, prompting a collaborative search effort involving the Crandall Police Department, Combine Police Department, Kaufman County Sheriff’s deputies, and deputies from Kaufman County Precincts 1, 2, and 4. As a safety precaution, Crandall schools were placed on lockdown during the ongoing incident.
At approximately 1:50 p.m., the suspect was reported to have stolen a 4-wheeler from a residence located on FM 148. However, the homeowner confronted the individual, leading to a subsequent notification to Kaufman County dispatch. The suspect fled the scene on foot, but officers swiftly arrived at the location, apprehending the individual and placing him under arrest.
The apprehended suspect has been identified as 34-year-old Russell P. Hardy Jr., a white male. Hardy is facing multiple charges, including Burglary of a Building, Theft, Resisting Arrest, and outstanding warrants from Dallas County.
