Chase results in arrest

A police chase that started in Austin County and ended in Colorado County resulted in the arrest of a suspect on numerous charges Derrick Wheaton, 45, was arrested and charged with abandon/endanger child imminent danger, evading a r rest/ detention with vehicle, possession of a cont rol led substance, possession of marijuana, reckless driving and tampering/fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair. Wheaton was also arrested on four active felony warrants out of Bexar County.

According to incident reports, the Austin County Sheriff’s office conducted a traffic stop for a moving violation westbound on I-10 near Sealy Nov. 9. The vehicle came to a stop near the 718-mile marker.

When the deputy attempted to make contact with Wheaton, he sped away and thus caused the police to chase. While driving away, authorities noticed that Wheaton was allegedly tossing unknown items from his vehicle.

Sealy Police helped assist in locating those items and identified them as the following illegal substances: Adderall, Cocaine, Ecstasy or Fentanyl pills, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Xanax, and Vicodin.

The suspect vehicle continued to evade westbound and entered Colorado County. The vehicle eventually stopped at I-10 and FM 949. The suspect exited the vehicle, to flee on foot, but then returned to the car and emerged with a young child, presumably to use the child as protection and further hinder apprehension.

Authorities were unaware of the child until this moment. Police were able to safely take custody of the child without any harm. The child was later examined by Colorado County EMS and medical professionals and was released to family members.

DPS arrived on location and assisted the deputy in apprehending the driver, who was identified as Derrick Wheaton (45). Colorado County Sheriff’s Office assisted on scene.

The defendant was transported and booked into the Austin County Jail without incident.