Seguin police shoot, kill robbery suspect

Suspect identified as Darrel Machemehl, 44

SEGUIN, Texas – A Seguin police officer shot and killed an armed robbery suspect after a high-speed chase late Tuesday night.

The incident began around 11:30 p.m., when an armed robbery was reported at the Pic-n-Pac at Highway 123 Bypass and Interstate 10.

Police said the suspect, identified as Darrel Machemehl, 44, entered the store with a short-barreled shotgun and demanded money from two female store clerks.

"Obviously, they were very afraid. They were afraid for their lives," Seguin Police Chief Kevin Kelso said.

The clerks barricaded themselves in a safe room and called 911, police said. They told dispatchers the suspect was wearing a ski mask and motorcycle helmet. Moments later, Machemehl sped off on a motorcycle.

Witnesses and police saw Machemehl put the shotgun inside a backpack, police said.

Seguin police, Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol and Guadalupe County sheriff's deputies pursued Machemehl, who reached speeds up to 85 mph, until he stopped in Kingsbury, a town northeast of Seguin, police said. The pursuit lasted 17 minutes.

Machemehl made threats against the officers and refused to put down the backpack, police said. Dashcam video shows that the suspect was told more than 42 times to drop the backpack, police said.
In fear for their safety, an officer shot and killed the suspect, authorities said.

Machemehl was arrested just four months ago for driving while intoxicated, according to Guadalupe County jail records. Kelso said the suspect had an extensive criminal history that included armed robbery, fleeing from police and resisting arrest.

"An officer-involved shooting is something that's really hard and terrible on everyone," Kelso said. "Our hearts and prayers go out to our officers and all of our employees that were involved and our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, as well, of the deceased."

The Texas Rangers are now assisting in the investigation, which includes an autopsy.

The shooter was identified as Officer Mike Guerra, a 13-year veteran of the Seguin Police Department. Guerra is currently on administrative leave, as is common practice for officers involved in shootings.


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Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT.

David Ibañez has been managing editor of KSAT.com since the website's launch in October 2000.