Pursuit Near Taft Ends in Arrests; Three Children Found in Vehicle
San Patricio County Sheriff's Office
TAFT, TEXAS (News Release) - A high-speed pursuit initiated by the Texas Department of Public Safety near Taft on U.S. 181 ended with two arrests and the recovery of stolen firearms, authorities said.
The incident began Tuesday evening when a DPS trooper attempted to stop a vehicle that then fled, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph. The driver, identified as Macy Ann Carey, 24, initially was traveling northbound before turning around and heading south through Taft, Gregory and into Portland, according to officials.
The pursuit ended at the Bridgepoint Apartments in Portland.
Authorities said Carey was driving the vehicle, with Juan Daniel Garcia, 25, as a passenger. Three children — ages 6, 2 and 1 — were also inside the vehicle.
Garcia fled on foot while carrying the 1-year-old child but was taken into custody without incident. Carey also was arrested at the scene.
The children were taken into custody by deputies and later released to their grandmother. Authorities said the children told deputies they had not eaten since early that morning; a deputy provided them with food while they were being cared for.
Investigators said stolen rifles were found in the trunk of the vehicle.
Garcia was charged with evading arrest, abandoning or endangering a child, theft of firearms and unlawful carrying of a weapon. He also had an outstanding warrant out of Travis County for assault on a peace officer. His bond was set at $50,000.
Carey was charged with abandoning or endangering a child, evading arrest and reckless driving. Her bond was set at $25,000.
The investigation remains ongoing.
