One caught, one sought following chase, crash

TYLER — Authorities have captured one suspect and seek another in a Tuesday afternoon pursuit. In a news release, the Smith County Sheriff’s Office says at 1:37 pm, a deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2000 Ford Crown Victoria on Bellwood Lake Road near Hwy. 31 West. After making contact with the driver, officials say the deputy smelled an odor of marijuana emanating from within the vehicle. Shortly thereafter, the driver reportedly sped away north, crossed Hwy 31 West onto Eisenhower Drive, and continued north toward Hwy. 64 West. He then reportedly ran the stop sign on Eisenhower at 64 West, causing a crash with two separate vehicles.

The deputy said he observed a female passenger who had exited the vehicle fleeing in a southeast direction. The driver also reportedly tried to flee as the deputy chased him on foot. Officials say the deputy was able to catch the driver and attempted to take him into custody. He reportedly resisted the deputy’s efforts to restrain him but was finally handcuffed and arrested. The driver was identified as Jose Angel Pinal, 23, of Tyler. There were no injuries reported at the crash scene, which was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Pinal was jailed on charges of evading arrest with a vehicle (prior conviction), resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana in a drug free zone. Additionally, Pinal had a warrant for evading arrest with a vehicle (prior conviction) out of Tyler PD. The female passenger is described as Hispanic or mixed race, wearing a pink halter top and shorts. She remains at large.