Williamson County Police Chase Ends When Speeds Get Unsafe

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, TX — Deputies ended a car chase of a robbery suspect Wednesday night after the pursuit gained speeds deemed a public safety threat, officials said.

Williamson County Sheriff's Office deputies gave up on the case at around 9 p.m. when the suspect entered the Austin city limits. The chase petered out on Texas 29 and Interstate 35, according to the sheriff's office. Troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety also ended the pursuit they were helping deputies conduct, according to reports.

Austin police didn't resume the chase, but later tweeted the suspect was in custody. A helicopter and sirens could be heard late Wednesday in the area around the University of Texas at Austin area, and campus police confirmed via Twitter that the suspect had been captured after making his way near the school.

For his part, Williamson County Sheriff Robert Chody explained the reason the chase was ended was because the excessive speeds posed a threat to other motorists.

“Decision to terminate after weighing options of the risks to the public,” Chody tweeted Wednesday. “This is a difficult decision for cops to make because they always want to get the bad guy. Proud of our team, DPS and dispatch.”

No injuries were reported. It was unclear late Wednesday if Austin police were in search of the suspect. On Twitter, Chody indicated the pursuit of the suspect began at Wolf Ranch Town Center in Georgetown, which is located at 1015 W. University Ave.

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