On August 13, 2024, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Division responded to an alert about a vehicle crash in a ravine off Harden Road, near FM 3126. Upon arrival, officers found a pick-up truck that had plunged approximately ten feet down an embankment. At the scene, detectives met Matthew Mars, who had been trying to right the overturned truck for several hours. The driver of the truck was identified as Patrick Kelso, 35, of Livingston, Texas, who lived nearby.
The vehicle was confirmed as stolen by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office. Detectives later found Kelso at his residence and observed drug paraphernalia used for smoking methamphetamine in plain view. A search warrant was obtained for an enclosed trailer used by Kelso as a residence. The search resulted in the seizure of over 4 grams but less than 200 grams of methamphetamine, Adderall, and a firearm. Kelso, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possessing firearms.
Kelso was not arrested at the scene due to his injuries. Warrants are being issued for the following charges:
- Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle
- Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1 (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance PG2 (Adderall)
- Felon in Possession of a Firearm
