On September 21, 2024, at approximately 4:01 p.m., a Sulphur Springs Police officer attempted to stop a vehicle on eastbound Interstate 30 for speeding, clocked at 86 mph in a 75 mph zone. Instead of pulling over, the driver fled, sparking a pursuit through Franklin, Titus, and Morris counties.
The chase continued as the suspect vehicle exited onto FM 1993, headed south to SH 67, and eventually left the roadway in Morris County. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby woods, prompting officers to establish a perimeter.
After several hours of searching, Telford Unit hound dogs located the suspect, Louis Wakefield, hiding in a barn among hay bales. As Wakefield attempted to evade capture, he was tased by a Hopkins County deputy. EMS was called to the scene, and Wakefield was taken into custody without further incident.
He was processed by the Morris County magistrate and transported back to Hopkins County Jail, where he was charged with eluding in a motor vehicle and evading arrest. His bond was set at $40,000.
