Police arrested Robert Eugene Purser on multiple charges on Tuesday night following a high-speed pursuit that began in Oklahoma and ended in Roxton, Texas.
Around 6 p.m., the Choctaw Nation Lighthorse Police contacted the Lamar County Sheriff Office for assistance in locating a stolen vehicle that had just evaded them and was heading south on US 271.
The driver, Purser, was also wanted for an Outstanding Felony Theft warrant originating out of Bryan County, Oklahoma, and was considered armed and dangerous.
Shortly after receiving the information, Lamar County Deputies located the vehicle traveling southbound on US 271 in Lamar County. When Deputies attempted to stop the car, it increased speed and began leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit.
The pursuit reached speeds in excess of 100 mph as it continued through the Powderly area, into Fannin County, and back into Lamar County, where it terminated just west of Roxton on Hwy 137.
During the pursuit, Purser tried to force deputies and at least one civilian off the road and drove through fields, fences, and driveways. At one point, Purser turned off his headlights to evade deputies.
Due to Purser’s dangerous, intentional acts, the deputies put Purser off the road in a safe, open area of FM 137 just west of Roxton.
This termination of the pursuit resulted in the vehicle being driven by Purser and the vehicle being driven by the deputies being wrecked.
Both Deputies involved in the wreck were transported to Paris Regional Health, where they were both treated for minor injuries and released.
Purser was also transported to Paris Regional Health, where he was treated for injuries.
“The overt, intentional, dangerous act committed by this suspect resulted in numerous people being put in harm’s way. The professional work done by my Deputies and the assisting agencies during this pursuit resulted in a dangerous felon being taken off our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” said Lamar County Sheriff Scott Cass.
Cass wants to thank all agencies involved, including the Texas Highway Patrol, Lamar County Constable Pct. 2, Lamar County Constable Pct. 3, Fannin County Sheriff’s Office, Honey Grove PD, NE Texas Auto Theft Task Force, Paris PD, Lamar County Emergency Management, Paris EMS, Roxton first responders, and Brookston first responders.
“I thank the good Lord for his protection of all law enforcement involved in this pursuit. Please keep the injured Deputies in your prayers as they heal.”
Purser was arrested on the below charges and is awaiting arraignment.
- Felony Theft warrant out of Bryan County, Oklahoma
- Unauthorized use of motor vehicle, a state jail felony
- Evading arrest w/vehicle a third-degree felony
- Possession of controlled substance PG 1/1B <1gram a state jail felony
- Aggravated assault against a public servant, a first-degree felony x 3
- Possession of controlled substance PG 2-A <= 2oz, a class B misdemeanor
- Wrong/fictitious/obscured license plate a class C misdemeanor
- Possession of drug paraphernalia, a class C misdemeanor
