SANSOM PARK, Texas - A convicted felon accused of driving a vehicle at police officers during a traffic stop was captured after a pursuit that stretched across multiple North Texas jurisdictions Wednesday night, according to the Sansom Park Police Department.
The incident began Aug. 19 when Sansom Park patrol officers and a K-9 unit conducted a traffic stop near the 5800 block of Jacksboro Highway for a traffic violation.
Police said the driver's behavior became increasingly concerning as officers investigated. Officers learned the man was a convicted felon with a previous history of assaultive behavior involving law enforcement and a history related to the manufacturing and delivery of narcotics.
The department did not release the suspect's name.
According to police, the driver repeatedly refused commands to keep his hands where officers could see them. Officers also spotted a large knife and what the department described as a homemade-style shank inside the vehicle.
When officers attempted to remove the man from the vehicle, police said he resisted and began physically fighting with them.
Police Say Driver Aimed Vehicle at Officers
During the struggle, the suspect allegedly accelerated the vehicle, shifted into reverse and intentionally drove toward the officers.
The vehicle narrowly missed most of the officers but grazed one officer, according to the department. The suspect then fled, prompting officers to pursue him.
Police said no officers or other first responders suffered serious injuries.
The chase continued through multiple jurisdictions, including Burleson, before heading north toward the Denton County area near Texas Motor Speedway.
Fort Worth Police Department patrol officers, specialized units and the department's Air 1 helicopter joined the pursuit to assist Sansom Park officers.
During the chase, police said the suspect threw multiple plastic bags containing a light-colored substance from the vehicle. Authorities did not identify the substance or say whether the discarded bags were recovered.
PIT Maneuver Ends Pursuit Near Denton Area
Fort Worth officers eventually performed a PIT maneuver, bringing the fleeing vehicle to a stop.
Police said the suspect got out and attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended a short time later.
The man was evaluated and medically cleared before being taken to jail.
He faces charges of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Public Servant, Evading Arrest with a Motor Vehicle and Resisting Arrest.
The Sansom Park Police Department credited Fort Worth police patrol officers, specialized and DRU units, and Air 1 personnel with assisting in the pursuit and arrest.
