Kidnapping Suspect in Custody

TYLER — Tyler police have arrested a kidnapping suspect. William Easley, 33, Flint, was arrested last night at his residence. This comes after an ordeal at a Tyler grocery store. On Monday around 4:22 p.m., Tyler Police responded to Fresh by Brookshire’s at 6991 Old Jacksonville Highway in reference to an attempted robbery that occurred in the parking lot. Police contacted a 39-year-old female victim who told police that she was exiting her vehicle when she observed a man approaching her door. The victim told police that the suspect told her that he had a gun and was forcing her back into her vehicle.

The victim immediately started to scream for help and was pushing the suspect in order to get out so her screams could be heard. Upon hearing the screams, two customers in the parking lot came running to her aid. The suspect ran from the victim’s vehicle and jumped into a blue, Grand Am vehicle and sped from the scene.

Officers located a suspect vehicle along with a suspect on S. Broadway who was identified and released pending further investigation. Tyler Detectives were able to develop information that allowed them to secure an arrest warrant for kidnapping.

Around 8:30 Tuesday night, law enforcement watching the residence of Easley observed his vehicle at the residence. He was arrested and transported to the Smith County Jail. His bond was set at $150,000.