Suspect Killed After Being Struck by Deputy’s Vehicle in Mitchell County

LORAINE, TX — A theft suspect was killed after being struck by a deputy’s vehicle during a pursuit in Loraine, Texas, on Oct. 2. The Texas Rangers are investigating the incident as a custodial death.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the deputy responded to a reported theft in progress at a residence around 1:20 p.m. Upon arrival, the deputy contacted multiple individuals at the scene. One suspect fled on foot into a nearby field.

While pursuing the suspect in his patrol vehicle, the deputy struck the fleeing individual. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old William Kenneth Hula of Loraine, received life-saving emergency care from the deputy but was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Texas Rangers have launched an investigation into the circumstances of Hula’s death, which occurred while the deputy was attempting to effect an arrest.