High Speed Chase Ends Near La Grange

An Austin man is in custody following a high speed chase through Bastrop and Fayette counties around noon on Saturday morning, Nov. 12.

According to Sgt. Ron Naumann of the Fayette County Sheriff's Office, the chase began on State Highway 71 west of Smithville after a Bastrop County Sheriff's deputy tried stopping the man's car for speeding.

The man was driving a white BMW convertible sports car east on 71 and failed to stop. Fayette County deputies joined the pursuit as the chase crossed the county line. Naumann said two Fayette County deputies waited at the FM 609 exit west of La Grange and were ready to set up spike strips to deflate the car's tires if it passed. The BMW finally stopped a short distance west of the deputies.

Deputies took the man into custody for evading arrest. Naumann said the suspect claimed that he did not see the patrol vehicles behind him. Naumann said speeds ranged from 80 to over 100 MPH during the chase. Naumann added that a clear sky and light traffic on 71 benefited the officers in pursuit.

Bastrop County Sheriff's Office was leading the investigation since the chase began in it's jurisdiction. Naumann did not know the man's name but said he appeard to be in his 20s. Deputies searched his vehicle at the scene but had not yet determined a motive for running from authorities.

This is a developing story. Look for more in our next issue.