Police in Palestine, Texas said Just after 11:30 p.m. Monday, officers were called to the 100 block of Crockett Road in reference to an assault, where the victim told police he hit his head while trying to help two people who had flat tires.
The victim told police, adding that the suspects left the scene in a white pickup truck. Palestine is approximately 160 miles west of Waco.
During a search of the vehicle, officers discovered a Glock handgun that had been modified with an automatic switch and was reported stolen in the driver's seat.
Officers soon noticed a white GMC pickup truck with a flat tire traveling on East Park Avenue near Crockett Road. Officers pulled the driver over, but as they approached the car door, the driver sped away, police said.
Police said the vehicle continued to evade officers for about four miles before colliding at the intersection of West Carolina Street and North Conway Street.
Police said the driver, later identified as Kevin Mancera, 18, of Palestine, fled on foot. Police said their passenger, Sedonta Lyles, 19, of Palestine, was ejected from the vehicle during the crash, adding that emergency medical services were called to the scene to treat Lyles. Police said Lyles was taken to a hospital, treated and released. Police said they found Mancera and took him into custody a short time later.
When the vehicle was searched, an officer found a Glock handgun in the driver's seat that had been modified with an automatic switch and had been reported stolen, police said. Officers also found an AR-15-style handgun in the cabin. Police said they found a spent shell casing matching the caliber of a handgun on Lyles.
Police said Lyles and Mancera were taken to the Anderson County Jail and arrested on charges of possession of a prohibited weapon, theft of a firearm, and unlawful possession of a weapon, and Mancera was also charged with evading arrest and custody by vehicle. He added that he had been charged.
According to KETK-TVMancera was being held on $275,000 bail and Lyles on $175,000 bail. Police said additional charges are expected and the investigation is ongoing.
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