Cleburne Pursuit Passenger Charged With Attempted Capital Murder After Officer Shot

CLEBURNE, Texas - A woman already jailed in connection with an August police pursuit that ended with a Cleburne officer being shot and the driver killed is now facing an attempted capital murder charge.

Cleburne police filed the additional charge against Zora Bliss, 47, in connection with the Aug. 24 pursuit, which began in Cleburne and ended in Burleson.

Bliss, who was a passenger in the fleeing vehicle, is charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer under Texas' law of parties. Police said the offense is a first-degree felony.

According to an arrest warrant affidavit, investigators accuse Bliss of assisting the driver, 43-year-old Jason Stroud, during the pursuit while Stroud fired multiple rounds toward Cleburne police officers.

One Cleburne police officer was struck by gunfire and injured during the incident. Police Chief Rob Severance said the officer continues to recover.

Stroud was also struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police did not provide additional details in the latest announcement about how investigators allege Bliss assisted Stroud or the specific evidence that led to the new charge.

Bliss has remained in the Johnson County Jail since the Aug. 24 incident. She was previously charged with aggravated assault against a peace officer and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.

Her bond was set $1.5 million.  

The Cleburne Police Department said its investigation into Bliss' alleged involvement has been completed.

The Texas Rangers are conducting a separate investigation into the officer-involved shooting. That investigation remains active.

The charges against Bliss are allegations, and she is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.