Tyler PD: Drunk Driver Leads Officers on Chase, Hits Multiple Vehicles

TYLER � Tyler police say an alleged drunken driver led officers on a wild chase in which he crashed his car into several vehicles. Tyler Police Department Public Information Officer Don Martin told KETK the pursuit began at around 2:00 Tuesday afternoon. That�s when Martin says a motorcycle officer on Vine Avenue noticed that a vehicle missing a wheel in the turn lane almost hit another car. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, which was driving on a rim, and radioed for backup to other motorcycle units a few blocks ahead.

The driver, Alonzo Robinson, 62, of Tyler, sped through the light at Vine and Houston Street and continued north until he hit three vehicles at the intersection of Front Street and Palace Avenue, according to police. At this time, he reportedly lost a second wheel and turned around to head back south on Vine. Officers say Robinson eventually turned right on Rusk Street and headed toward Glenwood Boulevard, where police reportedly continued to attempt pull his car over. Martin stated the suspect then accelerated at a high rate of speed and “remarkably” didn’t hit anyone, just missing another car.

Soon after going through the Glenwood and Rusk intersection, Robinson wrecked out into some trees, according to Martin. He was arrested and taken to the Smith County Jail. Robinson is charged with evading arrest, driving while intoxicated (2nd offense), and accident involving injury. He was released Wednesday on $7,500 bond. Martin said several people were hurt in the chase, but no injuries were serious. Robinson was not harmed in the pursuit.