Suspect in Custody After Chase

TYLER � One person is in custody after stealing a Tyler police car and leading officers on a chase over two counties. Shortly after 6:45 yesterday morning, officers responded to the 2500 block of Old Noonday Road on a report of a robbery of two women. Dispatchers were advised that the suspect robbed them at gunpoint. A witness stopped to assist the women when the suspect turned to him and demanded that he get out of his vehicle. The witness was able to drive away and contacted the police.

Police say Officer Clay Allen was responding to the robbery and spotted the suspect, later identified as Isaac Garcia, 24, of Tyler, on Frankston Highway near Sunnybrook. According to police, Garcia lost control of and wrecked his vehicle in the 2600 block of Frankston Highway around 6:30. Police say Garcia left his vehicle and proceeded on foot over to Old Noonday Road where he allegedly robbed the two females.

According to authorities, Garcia spotted Officer Allen approaching and attempted to hide in a ditch. Police say when Allen attempted to arrest Garcia they got into a physical altercation. A citizen stopped to assist the officer when he observed Garcia allegedly resisting arrest. Authorities report Garcia was able to escape from custody and had one handcuff attached to his wrist. According to police, Garcia the stole the officer�s patrol car and headed south on Frankston Highway towards Loop 323.

Tyler Officers responding to assist Officer Allen spotted the stolen patrol vehicle and began to pursue it around WSW Loop 323. The pursuit proceeded west on Spur 364 and continued onto Highway 31 West heading towards Chandler. Police say the pursuit ended when officers forced Garcia off of the roadway. According to a police news release, Garcia then exited the vehicle and attempted to elude the officers. Garcia was taken into custody on Third Street in Chandler. The Smith County Sheriff�s Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Chandler Police Department assisted with the pursuit and apprehension.

Garcia was transported to East Texas Medical Center for medical evaluation due to allegedly being under the influence of a narcotic and for any possible injuries. Garcia has been released from the hospital and transported to Smith County Jail. He has been charged with aggravated robbery and evading arrest. Judge Christi Kennedy set his bonds at $250,000 on the aggravated robbery charge and $100,000 on the evading arrest charge. According to police, this is still an ongoing investigation, and further charges are pending.