On Monday, March 3rd, at approximately 3:34 PM, Panola County Dispatch received a report from the Rusk County Sheriff's Office about a pursuit entering Panola County on Highway 149. The chase began in Tatum before traveling through Beckville and Riderville as the suspect continued to flee.
A Panola County Sheriff's Deputy successfully deployed spike strips on Highway 149 just before the Carthage Loop. Despite the vehicle's tires being punctured, it continued into the Carthage city limits, turning onto Cottage Road, St. Mary Street, and Pollard Street. The vehicle eventually struck a power guy wire, coming to a stop at the intersection of Pollard and Sunset Streets at 3:53 PM.
The driver, identified as Autumn Beth Stephens, 34, of White Oak, Texas, was arrested at the scene. She was booked into the Panola County Detention Center on a parole warrant and a Gregg County warrant, along with additional on-view charges.
The pursuit was assisted by Tatum Police Department, Panola County Sheriff's Deputies, Constables, and Carthage Police Department.
