LAKE JACKSON, Texas — A Houston man was taken into custody Wednesday after authorities said he sped away from a deputy and led law enforcement through Lake Jackson neighborhoods before stopping near an elementary school.
Pedro Garcia, 38, of Houston, fled from an attempted traffic stop in the 17000 block of Highway 288B before entering the parking lot of Bess Brannen Elementary School, according to Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Public Affairs Director Sabrina Quintanilla.
Authorities said Garcia reached speeds approaching 90 mph while traveling through multiple Lake Jackson neighborhoods.
After entering the school parking lot, Garcia got out of the vehicle and ran, Quintanilla said. Deputies chased him on foot and took him into custody.
No students were on campus at the time because classes are out for the summer, authorities said.
“He got out and a foot pursuit ensued around the school, so they called Brazosport ISD police to assist, and he is in custody now,” Quintanilla said.
Garcia had an active warrant through the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles for evading, authorities said.
He is charged with evading arrest with a vehicle, a third-degree felony, and parole violation through the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles, according to Brazoria County jail records.
Garcia remained in the Brazoria County jail without bond as of Wednesday evening.
Under Texas law, evading arrest with a vehicle is punishable by two to 10 years in prison.
The Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Unit, patrol deputies and dispatchers assisted during the incident, Quintanilla said.
The incident raised concerns because the pursuit ended at an elementary school campus, though officials said no students were present at the time.
This story may be updated if additional official information becomes available.
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