Montgomery Man Leads Police Chief, Troopers On 20 Mile Pursuit

MONTGOMERY, TX — A man who was wanted on an outstanding warrant in Montgomery County led police and state troopers on a 20 mile hot pursuit Tuesday evening.

Montgomery Police Chief Jim Napolitano was on his way home at about 11 p.m. on FM 105, when a gray Ford Mustang with paper tags passed him at a high rate of speed, and going the wrong way.

Napolitano gave chase and made a traffic stop a short time later, and as he approached the car, the driver took off, KHOU reported. (Want to get daily news updates and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Conroe-Montgomery County Patch morning newsletter.)

Montgomery County Sheriff’s deputies and Department of Public Safety Troopers joined in the chase, reaching speeds of near 150 miles per hour, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter.

The driver of the Mustang led police to Interstate 45 southbound, and attempted to ramp the car of a DPS trooper.

Trooper Kenneth Hiebert executed what is called a pit maneuver as the chase crossed over the San Jacinto River, and was able to get the car stopped, according to the Montgomery County Police Reporter.

The driver, identified as Eli Rivera, 42, got out of the car and attempted to run and was shocked with a police stun gun and arrested.

Rivera was charged with his third DWI charge and is also charged with evading arrest, assault on a public servant, and had an outstanding felony warrant.

He is being held in the Montgomery County Jail without bond.

Image: Montgomery County Jail

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