Suspect Identified in Longview Hit and Run

LONGVIEW –- A Longview man is facing a variety of charges after leading police on a chase. The suspect, James Eric Smelley, 26, is said to have stolen a truck around 1:30 Sunday afternoon. He hit a couple of cars and a boat when he ran a red light at the intersection of McCann Road and U.S. Highway 80. After going through the intersection Smelley reportedly hit two more cars. He then led officers on a brief foot chase before being caught. No injuries were reported. The suspect was taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Smelley is charged with evading arrest in a vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, theft of a motor vehicle, and accident involving damage. He was booked into the Gregg County Jail.