A high-speed chase involving two ATVs came to an end on the evening of September 30, 2023, when a Whitewright Police Department officer successfully apprehended one suspect after a brief pursuit.
At approximately 8:30 pm, an officer noticed two side-by-side ATVs leaving the Shell gas station parking lot located at 2209 Pettit Pkwy in Whitewright. The vehicles were traveling at an alarmingly high rate of speed. The officer observed the ATVs heading west on Highway 11, reaching speeds of 60 to 70 miles per hour. Concerned for public safety, the officer activated the red and blue emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop.
One of the ATVs complied and pulled over, but the other attempted to evade the officer by leaving the roadway and entering a nearby pasture. The officer, determined to apprehend the suspect, pursued the ATV through the pasture for a short distance. The chase continued for about five minutes through smaller roads until the ATV lost control near Walnut Grove Lane, crashing to the side of the roadway. Thankfully, no other vehicles were involved in the incident.
Upon reaching the crash site, the officer detained two males and two females, one of whom was a juvenile. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene. Whitewright EMS responded promptly, providing medical attention to the injured parties. The injuries were minor.
Following medical assessment and treatment, law enforcement officials arrested the ATV driver. The driver, identified as an adult, was charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a Child under 15 years of age, Evading Arrest or Detention in a Motor Vehicle, and Endangering a Child. The other individuals were released from custody after questioning.
