Wilson County deputy injured in wild chase

Deputy was holding on to steering wheel of moving car

FLORESVILLE, Texas – Several people, including a Wilson County deputy, were injured Thursday morning after a man led law enforcement authorities on a brief but destructive wild chase in Floresville.

Chief Deputy Johnny Dagen said the wild chain of events happened after a man fled a court appearance and was pulled over on Standish Street in Floresville.

Dagen said when Deputy Christopher Rocha attempted to remove the keys out of the vehicle's ignition, the suspect took off, dragging Rocha about three-tenths of a mile.

"The guy made some derogatory comments, threw it in gear and my deputy was hung up in the vehicle, holding on to the steering column," Dagen said.

The car hit other vehicles head-on before coming to a stop in the front yard of a home.

Rocha, the suspect and the driver of one of the vehicles hit were airlifted to University Hospital in San Antonio. Rocha suffered several minor injuries and was expected to make a full recovery. The condition of the driver and the suspect was not immediately known.

The suspect, who was wanted on a warrant on a misdemeanor charge, will be charged with attempted capital murder of a peace officer.


About the Author:

Erica Hernandez is an Emmy award-winning journalist with 15 years of experience in the broadcast news business. Erica has covered a wide array of stories all over Central and South Texas. She's currently the court reporter and cohost of the podcast Texas Crime Stories.