A man experiencing an apparent mental health crisis caused a major traffic incident and was arrested on Interstate 45 near Exit 265 on March 25, 2025.
The incident began when the man, described as a white male wearing only shorts, stopped his truck in the I-45 southbound median and then walked onto the northbound lanes, placing himself in front of oncoming traffic. Two 18-wheelers collided while attempting to avoid him.
The man then threw a large piece of concrete through the window of a passing commercial truck.
Ferris Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers arrived and shut down the interstate. During the attempt to de-escalate the situation, the man shouted religious epithets and became combative. Ferris Chief of Operations Jeff Aaron subdued and arrested the man without injury to anyone involved.
“When I made contact, the subject’s behavior was volatile and unpredictable. I had to make a decision to ensure everyone’s safety, including his. It took both de-escalation and the necessary level of force to prevent this from ending much worse. This is exactly what we train for, and I’m proud of how everyone responded under pressure,” said Aaron.
Ellis County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers arrived and took custody of the man, and initiated the accident investigation. Palmer Fire Department, Allegiance Medical, and Emergency Service Districts 5 and 9 also responded to the scene.
Ferris DPS Director Jesus Mancillas stated, “This incident could have ended in tragedy. The actions of everyone on scene, including law enforcement, fire, and EMS, demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and restraint. Our first priority was preserving life, and I’m proud of how our officers handled such a volatile and unpredictable situation.”
City Manager Brooks Williams added, “These types of incidents are becoming more common across the country where law enforcement must act as the first line of response not just for crime, but for mental health emergencies. I commend our team for their ability to act swiftly, humanely, and with precision. Their efforts not only protected countless drivers on one of the busiest corridors in Texas, but also safeguarded the life of an individual in deep crisis.”
The incident is under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office.
