Texas DPS and Tom Green County capture assault suspect after aerial pursuit
On July 31, 2025, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Air Operations Division and the Texas Highway Patrol teamed up with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office to capture a 27-year-old man who assaulted a deputy and fled the scene. According to a DPS news release, the incident began when a Tom Green County deputy conducted a traffic stop near San Angelo. During the stop, the suspect allegedly attacked the deputy, stole a nearby SUV and led officers on a high-speed pursuit through rural parts of the county before abandoning the vehicle in a remote area.
The sheriff’s office requested assistance from DPS Air Operations. A DPS helicopter equipped with a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) camera quickly responded and began scanning the brush-covered terrain where the man was believed to be hiding. FLIR technology detects body heat, enabling pilots and tactical flight officers to locate individuals who are concealed by vegetation or darkness. While ground units established a perimeter, the aerial crew guided them toward a heat source that matched the suspect’s profile. Deputies closed in on the spot, took the man into custody without any further confrontation and returned him to the county jail. No injuries were reported.
Officials say the arrest underscores the importance of state and local agencies working together and highlights the value of specialized aviation resources. Tom Green County Sheriff Nick Hanna thanked DPS for the quick response and said the helicopter helped end the search safely and efficiently. DPS Air Operations Chief Nick Ybarra noted that the division’s mission includes supporting local agencies in situations like this, whether it’s a search-and-rescue call, wildfire observation, disaster response or tracking a fleeing suspect. The ability to provide real-time aerial imagery makes operations safer for officers on the ground and improves the likelihood of a peaceful resolution.
The suspect, whose name was not released, faces charges including assault on a public servant, vehicle theft and evading arrest. He also had outstanding warrants from prior incidents. The coordinated effort among the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, Texas DPS Air Operations and Highway Patrol ensured a rapid arrest and avoided a prolonged manhunt. Residents were urged to report suspicious activity during the search but were assured that there was no ongoing threat once the suspect was captured. This case serves as a reminder of the vital role technology and interagency cooperation play in keeping Texas communities safe.