DPS Pursues Red Ford Mustang in High Speed Chase Through San Angelo

Texas Department of Public Safety officer Ram Garza attempted to pull over a red Ford Mustang in a routine traffic stop near the San Angelo Police station in San Angelo when the male driver of the Mustang decided to drive off at a high rate of speed, according to Shawn Baxter, spokeman for this region's DPS.

At a point along the chase, witnesses say the Mustang driver threw a handgun out the window (pictured above).

The DPS chased the Mustang through the east part of town, apparently down Pulliam St. and then out east on Paint Rock Rd. Somewhere in the vicinity of Paint Rock Rd. east of Loop 306, the driver fled his vehicle and a manhunt is now underway.

Details as they happen.

Update 5:58 p.m.

Two eyewitnesses at the Electric Rider shop on Pulliam describe the chase and how the driver of the Mustang allegedly threw a handgun out the window into their parking lot. 

Update 6:09 p.m. - The manhunt is underway in this area. Roads are closed off. K-9 units are involved.

Update 6:22 p.m. - Approximately a dozen police vehicles are parked out here, and the officers are involved in an on-foot manhunt. It appears that the driver of the Mustang left a trail of evidence in his getaway from the vehicle.

Update 6:22 p.m. - I incorrectly wrote "Grape Creek Rd." where is should say "Paint Rock Rd." The story is updated to reflect this.

Update 6:50 p.m. - The suspect is still at large. Police are urging caution, explaining that although the suspect threw away one gun, they are not sure if he is still armed with more weapons.

Update 7:05 p.m. - DPS Officer Byron Martin said that the chase originated from a routine traffic stop. The Mustang driver took off northbound on Bell St. and DPS pursued. The Mustang led DPS out Paint Rock Rd. where the driver fled on foot. The driver is still at large.

Update Feb. 8, 8:00 a.m. - We have reports of a manhunt near the Paul Ann area in northeast San Angelo at approximately 3:30 a.m. Helicopters were used. We are attempting to find out if this was connected with yesterday's high-speed chase and manhunt.

Update Feb 8, 7:30 p.m. - We have confirmed that the 3:30 a.m. manhunt was successful and that suspect is now in custody. We do not believe that this manhunt was related to the red Mustang driver. As far as we can determine as of right now, the red Mustang driver is still at large.