Authorities have identified and arrested a man following a high-speed pursuit that ensued after reports of shots fired at Hideaway Lake on Wednesday morning.
Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith confirmed the suspect is 45-year-old Mason Lowell Ahrens of Hideaway. As of Wednesday night, Ahrens faces charges of driving while intoxicated and aggravated assault of a public servant. No bond amount has been set.
According to Smith County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Larry Christian, the initial reports of shots being fired came from the Hideaway Lake area around 11:00 a.m. Ahrens allegedly fled Hideaway security, heading towards the south exit, before Smith County deputies arrived and initiated a pursuit.
Sheriff Smith stated that Ahrens drove east on FM 16 before turning onto US 69 in Lindale and heading south towards Interstate 20. During the chase, Ahrens reportedly fired shots from inside his pickup truck at deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers. Sheriff Smith also indicated that Ahrens fired at individuals working on the side of the road. Law enforcement officers returned fire, but Ahrens was not injured.
The pursuit came to an end after Ahrens turned onto Ann Campbell Road and stopped at the front gate of Tyler Pipe, located south of I-20, where he was apprehended at 11:28 a.m., according to the sheriff. Authorities do not believe anyone was struck by gunfire during the incident, and no injuries were reported during Ahrens’ arrest.
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office has contacted the Texas Rangers to conduct an investigation into the officer-involved shooting aspect of the incident.
During the pursuit, some schools within Lindale ISD were placed on a soft lockdown as a precautionary measure. The lockdown was lifted at approximately 11:30 a.m. following Ahrens’ arrest, according to the school district.
