On Friday, January 10, 2025, the Bell County Sheriff’s Office responded to an incident involving Anthony Ramos, 41, of Temple, after he evaded an attempt by Temple Police to serve an arrest warrant for Criminal Trespass of a Habitation. Authorities were notified that Ramos had made statements of self-harm and was believed to be driving a Nissan Pathfinder near FM 1670.
Patrol deputies, along with members of the Bell County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Unit, were dispatched to locate Ramos, ensure his safety, and assess the need for mental health intervention. At approximately 1:02 p.m., a patrol deputy located Ramos in his vehicle near the Stillhouse Hollow Dam. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, Ramos continued driving a short distance, crashing through a fence and stopping near the end of the bridge at the dam intake station.
Deputies established phone contact with Ramos, who was confirmed to be armed with a handgun. The Bell County Sheriff’s Office negotiating team was called to the scene, while assistance was also requested from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and the Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team. When a watercraft arrived, Ramos became distressed, prompting the boat to retreat to avoid escalating the situation.
Negotiations with Ramos continued for nearly two hours. However, at 2:56 p.m., Ramos accelerated his vehicle, crashed through a pipe railing, and drove into Stillhouse Hollow Lake. Efforts by the Corps of Engineers’ watercraft to rescue Ramos were unsuccessful as his vehicle sank quickly.
The Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team arrived and initiated a recovery effort but was forced to halt operations at 8:45 p.m. due to safety concerns, including the lake’s depth of approximately 100 feet, cold temperatures, and poor visibility caused by wind and fog.
On Saturday, January 11, recovery efforts resumed with assistance from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office. Their submersible drone located Ramos’ submerged vehicle. The Morgan’s Point Resort Dive Team floated the vehicle to the surface, recovering Ramos’ body inside. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman pronounced Ramos deceased and ordered an autopsy to be conducted at the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The Bell County Sheriff’s Office has maintained contact with Ramos’ family and expressed condolences. The incident involved multiple agencies, including the Texas Highway Patrol, Texas Game Wardens, Temple Police Department, Belton Police Department, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, among others.
Authorities encourage anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help by calling 988 or contacting the Bell County Sheriff’s Office at 254-933-5412 for resources and assistance.
