One escapes, another arrested

By Chris Edwards
[email protected]

Caleigh HuttonTOWN BLUFF – A woman is in custody on several charges and another individual is wanted, following an incident that occurred in Town Bluff on July 15. According to Tyler County Sheriff Bryan Weatherford, when deputies were patrolling in the Town Bluff area that evening, they attempted to stop a silver PT Cruiser that was on FM 92 near the south entrance of County Road 4400.

When the patrolling deputies activated lights and a siren, the vehicle continued travelling north at a high rate of speed, according to Weatherford. The vehicle made a turn onto the north entrance of CR 4400 and slowed down. The deputies observed a male passenger making hand gestures, which Weatherford said were indicative of getting the driver to continue evading the deputies.

When the deputies got the vehicle to stop, with a patrol unit in front, blocking it, they observed the male passenger, who they recognized as Billy Stephens, a 48-year-old Town Bluff man, exit the vehicle and flee into a nearby wooded area.

The driver, whom they identified as 26-year-old Caleigh Mae Hutton, of Town Bluff, was detained. “While speaking with Hutton, she admitted to fleeing from deputies because she knew Stephens had outstanding warrants for his arrest,” Weatherford said.

Hutton was booked into the Tyler County Jail and charged with felony hindering apprehension/prosecution of a known felon and felony evading arrest with motor vehicle. Pct. 1 Justice of the Peace Tina Self set Hutton’s bonds at $30,000. She has since bonded out of custody, according to jail records.

Stephens is, at press time, wanted for two previous felony evading arrest warrants; a felony child endangerment warrant and now faces additional evading charges, including a probation violation arrest warrant out of Jasper County, Weatherford said.