Mustang carjacking suspects corralled
WALKER COUNTY — A pair of suspects accused of an armed carjacking in Arlington were arrested in Walker County following a multicounty pursuit Aug. 5.
A Houston Police Officer noticed a white Ford Mustang with black racing stripes driving recklessly near Willowbrook Mall on Texas 249 in Houston. The officer learned the vehicle was reported stolen from Arlington and pursued the suspect into Grimes County where he was instructed to terminate the pursuit and return to his post in Houston.
Grimes County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued the suspect onto Texas 90 relaying details of the pursuit to Grimes County Dispatchers. The suspects turned north onto Texas 90 reportedly disregarding stop signs and reaching speeds around 120 mph.
Officers thought they lost track of the vehicle as it headed through Bedias toward Madison County. A caller reported seeing the vehicle at a convenience store, then heading south on Texas 90. The vehicle turned left onto FM 1696 toward Walker County.
Around 5 p.m., Walker County Sheriff Deputies successfully spiked the Mustang’s tires near Hardy Lane. The vehicle left the roadway and into a ditch. The suspects reportedly fled on foot in opposite directions.
A perimeter was set up and residents were advised to shelter–in–place. A manhunt ensued including K9’s from Grimes County and Texas Department of Public Safety, helicopter and on foot. Three county sheriffs: Don Sowell, Grimes County; Bobby Adams, Madison County; and Clint McRae, Walker County were at the scene.
Around 6:38 p.m., Grimes County Deputy, Zack Pavlock, and K9 Hank apprehended a 16– year–old juvenile suspect from Arlington. Almost an hour later DPS K9’s located the second suspect in the woods.
DPS said the juvenile was the driver. He was charged with Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, a state jail felony and Evading in a vehicle, a third–degree felony. He was transported to Fort Bend County Juvenile Detention Center.
Gecoren Smith Mc-Quinney, 19, of Grand Prairie, charged with Evading Arrest, class B misdemeanor; Possession of Marijuana, class A misdemeanor; Possession of Unlawful Carry of a Weapon, third–degree felony warrant from Dallas County; and three first– degree felony Aggravated Robbery warrants from Tarrant County.
Additional charges are pending for both suspects.
“I wish to thank the many law enforcement personnel from so many agencies that assisted in the multi-county pursuit this past Monday,” Sowell said. “The support of citizens looking out for the suspects after viewing our Grimes County Sheriff's Office Facebook posts as the pursuit was going on was truly invaluable. The result was positive as both suspects are in custody. The stolen vehicle was recovered along with a weapon. Fortunately, no citizens or peace officers were injured or killed because of the reckless and careless driving of the suspects who had no regard for the people they put in harm's way during their escapades.”
Agencies involved in the pursuit included Houston Police Department, Grimes County Sheriff’s Office, Walker County Sheriff’s Office, Madison County Sheriff ’s Office, DPS, Huntsville Police Department and Texas Department of Parks a nd Wildlife.
