New Mexico Man Leads DPS, Sheriff on High Speed Chase Through Grape Creek into San Angelo

At 12:10 p.m. a 911 call was received where the caller complained about a speeding reckless driver between Carlsbad and Grape Creek on US 87.

DPS Trooper Jessica Springer saw the reckless driver just north of Grape Creek just after the call. She turned on to US 87, and activated her lights, in pursuit of a GMC crew cab pickup matching the description in the 911 call.

According to DPS, the pickup truck "was all over the place."  It ran into the concrete barrier at the Grape Creek overpass.

As Springer continued her persuit, a Tom Green County Sheriff's Deputy rolled in behind the pursuit to assist.

Sheriff's Deputies attempted to spike the roadway near Conner Steel, but the fleeing suspect swerved to miss the spikes.

As the reckless driver came up near the turn to the golf course at 33rd and Bryant, deputies tried to spike him again. This time, he swerved, lost control, spun out and ended up in the center median.

The driver was identified as Joe Caperton, white male, 63, of Eunice, NM. He was arrested and taken into custody and then transferred to EMS for medical treatment.

DPS Trooper Shawn Baxter said that there may be a medical issue that the driver had before the incident.

"No one was hurt and besides the medical issue that may have caused this, the driver wasn't hurt either," Baxter said.

Baxter said that once the driver is evaluated at Shannon Medical Center, he will be arrested for evading arrest in a vehicle, which is a felony. Although, Baxter added that the incident remains an ongoing investigation.

Update 4:44 p.m.

Trooper Shawn Baxter said that the DPS will not file charges against Caperton due to a confirmed medical condition that may have caused the erratic driving.