88R26785 TBO-D By: Flores S.R. No. 506 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Members of Atascosa County law enforcement agencies demonstrated tremendous courage in the line of duty on June 2, 2022, when they risked their lives to stop an escaped prisoner and suspected murderer from fleeing the country; and WHEREAS, The suspect was accused of killing a family of five in Centerville after he escaped from a prison transport bus on May 12; when Atascosa County Sheriff David Soward received word that the suspect could be headed to the area in an apparent attempt to reach the U.S.-Mexico border, he quickly mobilized his deputies for a large-scale manhunt, which involved constables and officers from the Pleasanton, Jourdanton, Poteet, and Lytle Police Departments, as well as DPS troopers and U.S. Marshals; and WHEREAS, Officers from these various agencies were posted at all highways and major roads headed south, and just before 10 p.m., Atascosa County Animal Control chief Henry Dominguez reported that he and a deputy sheriff had sighted the suspect, who was driving a stolen pickup truck and was armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a pistol; Officer Dominguez was instructed to follow the suspect, while other personnel drove ahead of the fleeing suspect to intercept him and deployed spikes in his path to puncture the vehicle's tires; and WHEREAS, Before reaching the edge of Jourdanton, Jourdanton Police Chief Eric Kaiser successfully spiked all four of the vehicle's tires as the suspect attempted to evade law enforcement by driving into a field; the suspect fired his rifle at oncoming deputies before losing control of his vehicle and crashing into a utility pole and then a fence; after exiting the vehicle with a rifle in hand, the suspect was shot and killed, bringing his 22-day crime spree to an end; and WHEREAS, The exceptional bravery displayed by the Atascosa County law enforcement officers was met with an outpouring of gratitude from the community, and Sheriff Soward awarded commendations to 14 officers; and WHEREAS, The members of the Atascosa County law enforcement agencies went to heroic lengths to protect their community and prevent further violence, and in so doing, they exemplified the highest ideals of their profession; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commend the officers in Atascosa County for their role in stopping an escaped convict and suspected murderer and extend to them sincere appreciation for their dedicated service; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the law enforcement units across Atascosa County as an expression of high regard by the Texas Senate.