High-Speed Pursuit in Crystal City Ends in Major Accident and Injuries
Operation Lone Star Traffic Stop Escalates to High-Speed Chase and Crash
Crystal City, TX – In the early hours of August 27, 2024, a routine traffic stop under Operation Lone Star escalated into a high-speed pursuit, resulting in a severe motor vehicle accident. At approximately 12:36 a.m., Deputy #706 from the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop on a black Chevrolet Impala in Crystal City for a traffic violation. The vehicle came to a complete stop near the intersection of North 4th Avenue and East Refugio Street.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from inside and observed narcotics visibly on the lap of the driver. When the deputy requested the driver to hand over the narcotics, the driver refused to comply, instead placing the vehicle into drive and speeding away from the stop, sparking a pursuit.
The ensuing chase saw the vehicle reaching speeds exceeding 100 mph, with the deputy eventually losing sight of the fleeing car. Due to concerns for public safety, the pursuit was terminated. Shortly after, Crystal City Communications informed the deputy of a major vehicle accident at the intersection of North 7th Avenue and East Kinney Street.
Upon arrival at the accident scene, the deputy confirmed that the involved vehicle was the same one that had evaded him earlier. Emergency services, including Fire and EMS personnel, were dispatched to assist in extracting the driver, who was trapped inside the vehicle. The driver was then airlifted to a hospital in San Antonio via AirEvac. A male juvenile, also involved in the accident, was transported to Dimmit Regional Hospital by ambulance.
Charges are pending against the driver, who will face legal consequences for his actions. The Zavala County Sheriff’s Office extended their gratitude to all assisting agencies that contributed to managing the incident.
Source: Zavala County Sheriff’s Office
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