Authorities Seek Suspect Who Fled Traffic Stop

FLINT � The Smith County Sheriff�s Office is seeking the public�s help in identifying a suspect who fled authorities during a routine traffic stop. Shortly after 3:00 yesterday morning, Smith County Sheriff�s Sergeant DeWayne Gray was traveling southbound on Highway 155 in Flint when he noticed a silver car that was driving at a high rate of speed. It failed to signal when turning east on County Road 1170. Sergeant Gray attempted a traffic stop, but the driver of the car fled south on Lakeway Harbor Drive and accelerated. Gray alerted two other Smith County deputies, Timothy Cutright and Gerald Atchison, who were in the area responding to an EMS call, that he was in pursuit and to watch for the vehicle.

According to authorities, the suspect approached the area where the deputies were located on Wateridge Loop and came within 10 feet of them before driving through a yard and back onto the roadway, then traveling through the Lakeway Harbor subdivision. The car left the roadway, crossed a field, and traveled through a wooded area before striking a tree. The suspect then got out of the car and fled.

If anyone has any information regarding the identity of the suspect or this case, call Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF (2833). Crimestoppers pays up to $1,000 for information that leads to arrests and charges filed in specific cases. The Smith County Sheriff�s Office can also be contacted at 903-566-6600.