Bexar County deputies use spike strips to stop couple in suspected stolen SUV

Johnny West, 33, Margarita Escobar, 27, arrested

SAN ANTONIO – Bexar County sheriff's deputies arrested a couple who they said led them on a lengthy chase early Tuesday morning that covered parts of the Southwest and West Side and some downtown streets.

The driver, Johnny West, 33, was arrested on charges related to driving a stolen car and evading arrest.

Deputies said West and his passenger, Margarita Escobar, 27, were also wanted on outstanding warrants. Both were booked into the Bexar County Jail.

According to sheriff's officials, deputies were asked to assist San Antonio police officers in stopping the couple. 

SAPD officers initially used their lights and sirens in an attempt to get them to pull over on Poteet Jourdanton Freeway and West Villaret. 

The driver didn't stop and officers quickly backed off from chasing them, officials said.

About 30 minutes later, the sheriff's office received notice that the vehicle had been spotted by an San Antonio Police Department helicopter.

The BCSO report said that the driver led deputies on a chase for about 40-45 minutes, going along highways and city streets through the Southwest and West Sides and downtown.

One of the tactics they employed to stop the SUV was the deployment of spike strips. 

Deputies were successful on their second attempt, bringing the vehicle to a stop near Loop 410 and Palo Alto Road. The area is less than a half-mile from where the chase began.

No one was injured in the incident.

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About the Author:

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.