Sheriff Shoots Out Tire to End High-Speed Chase Near Alpine

ALPINE, TX — Brewster County Sheriff Ronny Dodson disabled the rear tire of a fleeing theft suspect’s vehicle during a high-speed pursuit Friday on Highway 90 near Alpine.

The chase ended after the vehicle collided with another car and came to a stop.

The suspect, identified as Justin Gabriel Castiles, 26, was arrested and charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony. Authorities reported Castiles had addresses in Mississippi and Louisiana and may have been stationed in the military in El Paso. He remains in the Brewster County Jail, with no bond set.

The department’s Facebook page outlined some of the details:

“Friday afternoon, Brewster County Dispatch received a call from an establishment in Marathon, reporting a theft. According to the caller, an unknown individual walked out of the store with several items, and stated “I won’t be paying for this s___!” #howrude #Ihaterudebehaviorinaman #Iwonttolerateit

“The suspect left the scene and drove West, toward Alpine. Brewster County Deputies observed the vehicle near the 67/90 intersection and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.  #didhestop #surveysaysno

“The driver continued West into Alpine, where more law enforcement units, from Texas DPS and Alpine PD joined in to assist. #wehavebackup #youdont #justpullover

“The suspect dodged Stop Sticks #ifyoucandodgeawrench that were deployed to end the pursuit, and continued recklessly through town. #ifyourenotfirstyourelast#Imwalkinghere #norespect

“Approximately 4 miles West of Alpine, Sheriff Dodson disabled the rear tire of the vehicle with a well placed round from his 1911 pistol. #theydontmakea46 A Brewster County Deputy deployed another set of Stop Sticks and disabled two more tires.  #thewheelsonthecargoroundandround #butnotyours#accordingtothemapweveonlygone4inches

“The driver continued to drive recklessly, showing no intention of pulling over. He also swerved in to oncoming traffic several times. #dontdriveangry The decision was made to end the pursuit as quickly and safely as possible, so the vehicle was forced to the shoulder. It struck an uninvolved citizens vehicle before coming to a stop. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Justin Gabriel Cristales, was taken into custody. He was charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle; a third degree felony. #itsfelonyFriday #comeonvacation #leaveonprobation #whatwashethinking#thisisTexas

“The occupants of the uninvolved vehicle were examined by paramedics, but weren’t seriously injured. They did not require transport to the hospital.

“Many thanks to all assisting agencies; Texas DPS, Alpine PD, and DPS Air Operations. #teamwork”

Gonzales said that the only reason the crime was even reported was because of the attitude of the man taking the items.