High Speed Chase – Arrest In Wheeler County, TX

9f8c6b0f-a48d-48d3-ac04-7b966038bd79-large16x9_jc235972_01_frame_0

July 30, 2020

By News Director Jared Atha

Texas authorities arrested a Missouri man recently in Wheeler County after an attempted traffic stop lead to a chase, and the discovery of illegal drugs.

Officials say 48-year-old Juan Huerta of Bolivar, Missouri was arrested last week after a Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on the suspect’s 2005 Chrysler 300 for a traffic violation on I-40 eastbound in Gray County, Texas.

Huerta, continued to evade the Trooper on eastbound I-40. Huerta, still refusing to stop, took exit 146 and turned north onto County Line Road which borders Gray and Wheeler Counties. Huerta, then turned east onto FM 2473. While the Trooper was attempting to catch up to and gain a visual on the fleeing vehicle, a Gray County Deputy, who was posted at the intersection of County Line Road and FM 2473, observed the vehicle turn east onto FM 2473 in Wheeler County, so he took the lead in trying to get the vehicle to stop. Huerta finally stopped, bailed out of the vehicle and ran on foot into the thick brush off the roadway out of sight.

The Trooper arrived on scene and a manhunt ensued.

Multiple Troopers, Gray County Deputies, Wheeler County Deputies and others assisted in attempting to locate the suspect. Huerta was located outside a residence off of the county road, approximately 10 miles west of Wheeler. Huerta was taken into custody and transported to the Wheeler County Jail. While searching the suspect’s vehicle, troopers located 1.75 pounds of meth and less than 2 ounces of marijuana.

Huerta was charged with evading in a vehicle – a felony, felony possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana less than 2 ounces.

Huerta also had four active out of state felony warrants.