Smith County Crime Stoppers offering reward in ‘caltrop cases’

SMITH COUNTY — Tyler-Smith County Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest in the “caltrops case.” According to our news partner KETK, nearly 300 of these “tire spikes” have been collected in the past weeks along I-20 in the westbound lanes, between Hwy 69 in Smith County and FM 314 in Van Zandt County. They have also been found in the westbound lanes of I-20 near the US 69 on-ramp in Lindale, near the Hideaway and Hwy. 110 exits and in the eastbound lanes near the Hideaway on-ramp.

A caltrop is a device with four metal points arranged so when any three are on the ground, the fourth projects upward as a hazard to the hooves of horses or to pneumatic tires. They are made of rebar and are about three inches in size. The device is a prohibited weapon under Texas law.

Anyone with information about the person or persons manufacturing and/or scattering these devices is urged to contact Tyler-Smith County Crimestoppers at 903-597-CUFF or 903-597-2833.

If you have pertinent information regarding this case you may also contact Detective Jerry Ramsey at the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at 903-590-2689.