On Sunday, September 22, 2024, at 1:54 p.m., the White Settlement Police Department (WSPD) was alerted by the Fort Worth Police Department (FWPD) Real Time Crime Center about an occupied stolen vehicle traveling northbound on S. Las Vegas Trail from Calmont Avenue. The FWPD confirmed that the vehicle had entered White Settlement, verified by a Flock Safety license plate reader, and had parked at a restaurant in the 8500 block of West Freeway.
As WSPD officers arrived at the scene, they discovered the stolen vehicle, a black Jeep Liberty SUV, was unoccupied. The FWPD reported that the driver had fled on foot towards Western Hills Blvd. Two WSPD officers pursued the direction of the fleeing male suspect. Meanwhile, a female passenger exited the vehicle and ran towards a nearby motel along the I.H. 30 service road.
In a surprising turn, the male suspect returned to the stolen Jeep, and upon spotting the marked patrol car behind him, he placed the vehicle in reverse and rammed into the officer's marked Tahoe. Fortunately, the officer was not injured in the collision. A vehicle chase ensued, with the suspect fleeing westbound on I.H. 30, driving recklessly and endangering other motorists by passing vehicles on the shoulder at excessive speeds. Due to the suspect's dangerous driving, the WSPD supervisor made the decision to terminate the pursuit.
The StarChase system, designed to assist in tracking fleeing suspects, was rendered inoperable after the suspect rammed the officer's vehicle, as it was mounted on the front grill and damaged during the collision.
WSPD officers collaborated with Westworth Village and Lakeside police to apprehend the female passenger, identified as 33-year-old Kayla Martinez, at a motel located on the I.H. 30 service road. Martinez was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, specifically 4-200 grams of methamphetamine (Penalty Group 1/1-B).
The Fort Worth Police Department later located the abandoned stolen vehicle in the 1700 block of Shade Tree Lane, with investigators believing the male suspect fled on foot from that location. Authorities are seeking information regarding the identity of the male suspect, who was captured in a video wearing distinct clothing before the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact WSPD at 817-246-4973 or Tarrant County Crime Stoppers at 817-469-TIPS.
“The reckless disregard for the rule of law was on full display Sunday when this suspect ran on foot, rammed a police officer’s vehicle, and endangered our community by fleeing in a stolen car,” stated Chief of Police Christopher Cook. “We are optimistic that someone will help our team identify him so he can be held accountable on multiple felony charges.”
