Robbery suspect killed

Police shoot during high-speed chase

By Tony Farkas
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CLEVELAND — A robbery suspect who stole a vehicle and led police on a chase through three East Texas counties was killed after being shot by Cleveland police officers.

Cleveland Police Chief Darrel Broussard said that the suspect, who was not identified pending notification of next of kin, went into Martin Chevrolet on West Southline Street brandishing a weapon and demanding a vehicle.

A salesperson managed to toss the suspect a set of keys, and the man took what was identified as a new model Chevy Equinox.

Police were in the area immediately, and a chase began north on U.S. 59, Broussard said.

San Jacinto County Deputy Sheriff Sgt. Mark Gustafson said his department became involved when the chase entered San Jacinto County.

Deputies joined the pursuit, which continued into Polk County.

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Gustafson said that the suspect lost control of the vehicle near FM 1988 on 59 east of Goodrich, slid into the median, then he reversed course and headed back south on 59.

The suspect went through Cleveland where he came to a construction zone south of Cleveland, and again tried to reverse direction. The vehicle traveled north for a bit, when Cleveland police officers were able to deflate the suspect’s tires, Gustafson said.

left vehicle and starting to run with a weapon in his hand.

police ran after, and then there was a discharge of weapons.

Broussard said the suspect then jumped from his vehicle and attempted to flee into a wooded area, and was carrying the weapon used in the robbery.

The suspect then turned toward the officers while he was holding the gun, and the officers fired on the suspect, Broussard said.

The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Ralph Fuller.

Broussard said that the officers, who also were not immediately identified, will be placed on administrative leave as the investigation continues.