Home Invasion Probe Continues

TYLER � Tyler police continue their investigation of a home invasion in which one of the victims is a local deputy constable. On Thursday at 6:30 a.m., Tyler Police responded to the Wood Trail Apartments at 1909 Shiloh Rd. apartment # 118, on a report of a home invasion with shots fired. Officers arrived on the scene of the incident, found a suspect shot in the upper chest inside the apartment, and were told that a second suspect had run away on foot. Officers contacted two victims who were inside the apartment who were identified as Amie Hall and her friend Derek Phillips. Phillips is a Smith County Deputy Constable for Pct. 1 and shot the suspect inside the apartment.

The suspect who was shot was transported to East Texas Medical Center and underwent surgery. He was identified as Matthew Dwayne Patton, 22, of Tyler. The suspect who got away was spotted walking down the road at 7:25 a.m. by K-9 Officer Steve Black at Shiloh and Bascom Road. Police say the suspect matched the description and was determined to be involved in the incident. He was identified as 21-year-old Patric Thurston. Thurston was charged with 1st degree Felony Burglary and transported to Smith County Jail. Officers recovered a semi-automatic handgun that was thrown into the woods when Thurston fled the area. Police say initial details of the investigation indicate that the home invasion was a random act of violence by the two suspects.

Phillips is no stranger to scandal. In 2009, he was investigated by Texas Rangers for pulling out a gun at a party. Also, at one time he was in trouble for not having a state law enforcement license. According to state records, Phillips is now a licensed peace officer. Phillips is the son of Smith County Commissioner Terry Phillips. His brother, Lance, was also investigated for secretly taping a woman.