JOHNSON COUNTY, Texas — A man who led deputies on a pursuit that resulted in a patrol vehicle crash and serious injuries to a deputy has been sentenced to decades in prison.
In a Johnson County courtroom, Christopher Troy Routh, 38, was sentenced to 25 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after his probation was revoked for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon. He also received 20 additional years for Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle Causing Serious Bodily Injury.
The incident occurred on the night of October 4, 2025, after Johnson County deputies received a tip from a bondsman that Routh—who had outstanding felony warrants—was at a residence in the county.
At 9:27 p.m., Deputy Cortez attempted a traffic stop on Routh’s vehicle traveling northbound on County Road 608 for an inoperable license plate light. Routh refused to stop and fled, leading deputies on a pursuit that continued into Tarrant County.
During the chase around 9:34 p.m., Deputy Bribiesca, who was assisting as a secondary unit, lost control of his patrol vehicle on Retta Road near Berry Road and crashed into a tree at high speed. The patrol car immediately caught fire, and the deputy briefly lost consciousness.
Deputy Bribiesca was rescued by Deputy Fetterolf and Corporal White, who arrived moments later, pulled him from the burning vehicle, and began rendering aid. A nearby resident also assisted by using a fire extinguisher to help put out the flames.
The injured deputy was transported to a Fort Worth hospital, where he underwent surgery for a broken arm. Authorities say he has since recovered.
Meanwhile, Deputy Cortez continued the pursuit. Routh eventually crashed his vehicle into dense vegetation and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly located and taken into custody with assistance from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Mansfield Police Department.
After his arrest, investigators say Routh admitted he knew he had outstanding warrants and was trying to escape.
“We are grateful for the bravery of our deputies and the teamwork of assisting agencies in bringing this dangerous situation to an end,” said Assistant District Attorney Amy Lee.
