A Texas Department of Public Safety investigation is underway after a Freestone County sheriff’s deputy fatally shot a driver during a traffic-stop pursuit near Fairfield, according to the Freestone County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred the evening of Aug. 1. At approximately 7:33 p.m., a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle, but the driver led the deputy on a pursuit lasting about 26 minutes. Speeds during the pursuit reached more than 125 mph, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The vehicle stopped on the side of FM 488 about 3 miles north of Fairfield’s city limits. A physical altercation followed, and the deputy discharged a firearm, fatally wounding the driver.
Life-saving measures were performed at the scene until emergency medical personnel arrived. Fairfield EMS transported the driver to Fairfield ER, where he was pronounced dead.
Three other passengers were in the vehicle and were not injured, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The deputy sustained minor injuries.
Texas Rangers were contacted to conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting. The Sheriff’s Office said the timeline for completing the investigation is unknown and asked for patience while the Rangers determine the facts.