APD: Man Flees from Police, Runs through Stranger's House
By: Officer George Spindler, APD
Updated: July 12, 2012
Yesterday afternoon at about 4:35, Officer Martin Walker was dispatched to a shoplifter call at a business in the 1600 block of Highway 351. APD Dispatch was contacted by a loss prevention employee from the store that a female subject was observed shoplifting. Officer Walker's investigation revealed that a female subject had concealed merchandise in her purse and left the store without paying. The subject was contacted by loss prevention and escorted back into the store. Approximately $59 of merchandise was recovered and the subject was arrested for theft.
Late last night at about 11:40, Officer Damien Hutchinson observed a motorist pull out in front of a vehicle at an intersection that nearly resulted in an accident. Officer Hutchinson activated his emergency lights and the motorist pulled over in the 1500 block of North 12th Street. Just before Officer Hutchinson was able to speak with the driver, a male driver began to exit his vehicle and then began disobeying Officer Hutchinson's verbal commands. Officer Hutchinson smelled the very strong odor of alcohol coming from the driver during this encounter. During this investigation the driver showed signs of intoxication. Officer Hutchinson also learned that the driver had consumed some quantity of beer prior to the traffic stop and an open container of alcohol was located inside the vehicle. The driver refused Officer Hutchinson's request to conduct field sobriety tests and refused to provide any breath samples. Officer Hutchinson arrested the driver for driving while intoxicated (DWI). A blood sample was taken from the driver at a local hospital. The driver was charged with an enhanced charge of felony DWI because a records check confirmed the driver had several previous convictions for DWI. This investigation continues.
As part of the Watch Your Car initiative conducted by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the "You Hold the Key" campaign increased understanding among Texans that leaving doors unlocked and keys in the ignition results in roughly 50,000 stolen vehicles in Texas every year. Stolen vehicles, the campaign reminds drivers, is a "gateway" to other crimes. Learn more about what you can do to prevent auto theft at: http://ftp.txdmv.gov/pub/txdot-info/atpa/fact_sheet_2012.pdf






