Atascosa County, TX – A high school student is facing felony charges after leading Atascosa County deputies on a high-speed chase that reached speeds over 110 miles per hour before ending in a fiery crash, according to authorities.
High-Speed Pursuit on Highway 97
The incident occurred early Sunday morning when a deputy observed a vehicle speeding past the 1900 block of Highway 97 at more than 110 mph, according to the Atascosa County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO). When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the teen driver refused to pull over and accelerated further, initiating a dangerous pursuit.
“The vehicle sped away at excessive speeds,” the sheriff’s office stated in a Facebook post.
Crash and Fire Near Corgey Road
Moments later, the vehicle crashed near the intersection of Highway 97 and Corgey Road. The car caught fire, but the teenager escaped unharmed, deputies said.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to manage the crash and ensure public safety. The cause of the fire was not immediately released, but images shared by the sheriff’s office show significant damage to the vehicle.
Teen Faces Felony Charge
The student was arrested and charged with evading arrest with a motor vehicle, a felony under Texas law. The sheriff’s office also stated that they suspect alcohol may have played a role, and noted that additional charges could follow pending investigation results.
“The driver was lucky to walk away without injury — or worse,” said a spokesperson for ACSO. “This kind of reckless behavior could’ve ended much differently.”
Community Reacts to Dangerous Incident
Local residents expressed concern over the rising number of youth-involved high-speed incidents. Parents and community leaders are urging teenagers to understand the life-threatening risks of reckless driving, particularly under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The sheriff’s office has not released the name of the suspect due to their age, but confirmed that they are a high school student in the area.
Ongoing Investigation
The ACSO said the case remains under active investigation, and authorities are awaiting toxicology reports to determine whether alcohol or other substances were involved. Additional charges may be filed based on the final findings.
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