One arrested in cross-county pursuit

Multiple area law enforcement agencies were involved in a vehicle pursuit that began on FM 209 in Young County, ended in Throckmorton County and resulted in one arrest Wednesday afternoon.

Juan Diaz, Jr., 58, of Graham, was arrested Wednesday, Feb. 21, on two charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, resisting arrest, search or transportation, a parole violation and insufficient bond.

Diaz evaded arrest Wednesday after a DPS trooper attempted to conduct a stop for a traffic violation on FM 209 in Young County, according to a release from DPS Sergeant Juan Gutierrez. He fled from officers for over an hour from Young County into Throckmorton County, taking several Farm to Market and County Roads.

“Officers attempted several times to stop the evading suspect with spike and precision immobilization technique (PIT) maneuvers,” the release states. “While officers were attempting to utilize spikes the last time, the suspect tried to strike two officers with his vehicle, nearly hitting them in the process.”

In an attempt to immobilize the vehicle, the officers in pursuit fired their service weapons and struck it multiple times. Diaz's vehicle suffered mechanical failure and came to a stop.

“The suspect resisted as officers took him into custody and placed him under arrest,” the release states. “Although rounds fired by the officers struck the suspect’s vehicle several times, the suspect was not hit and was uninjured.”

Diaz was booked into the Young County Jail, where he remained as of Friday, Feb. 23 on a total bond of $385,010.

Assisting agencies were the Young County Sheriff’s Office, Throckmorton County Sheriff’s Office, Stephens County Sheriff’s Office and Texas Parks and Wildlife. No officers involved were injured.