HIGH SPEED PURSUIT LEADS TO ARREST OF ARMED SUSPECT

A Weslaco, Texas  man was arrested after a high-speed chase that ended on Highway 277 on Thursday.  The suspect is identified as Jesus Valadez Camarena Jr. 08/31/87.

He was charged with the following: 

VOP Marijuana Possession (US Marshals)

Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (Presidio County)

Evading Arrest/Detention (local charges)

Tom Green County Deputies attempted to stop a vehicle just north of Christoval on Highway 277.  After initially pulling over, the suspect then sped off with Deputies in pursuit.  Other units were able to deploy spike strips which were effective in deflating the suspect vehicle tires.  The suspect was then taken into custody without further incident.  Following the arrest, Deputies recovered body armor, magazines and ammunition in the vehicle.  A subsequent search of the bar ditch area along the pursuit route was conducted.   Deputies found an AR15 assault rifle and a model 1911, .45 pistol the suspect had thrown out during the pursuit.

Camarena was found to have outstanding Federal and State arrest warrants as listed above.  Additional criminal charges are pending.

TGCSO was assisted during this arrest by Homeland Security, Customs Border Patrol, DPS and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.