TYLER, Texas — A third man wanted in connection with with stealing catalytic converters in Tyler has been arrested in Houston.
Darius Reggie was arrested by the Dept. of Public Safety in Houston and booked into the Harris County Jail on the following warrants:
- Aggravated assault of a public servant ($250,000 bond),
- Engaging in organized criminal activity ($250,000 bond)
- Evading arrest/detention ($250,000 bond)
- Four counts of theft of material ($100,000 bond for each count)
He will be brought to back to Smith County to stand trial on the charges.
In February, Andre Pet, 25, of Houston, was the second suspect arrested in connection with the alleged crime that took place on Jan. 28.
On that day, Tyler police initially arrested DeAnthony Brown, 19, of Houston, for evading arrest/detention in a vehicle and aggravated assault of a public servant. He was originally booked into the Smith County Jail on $500,000 bond.
Since then, officials have also charged Brown with engaging in organized criminal activity ($250,000 bond) and four counts of theft of material ($100,000 bond for each count).This brings his bond total to $1,150,000.
HOW WE GOT HERE
According to police, around 4:45 a.m., officers were called to an apartment complex located in the 300 block of Chimney Rock regarding a suspicious car driving through the parking lot.
Police were told a person was stopping the car and going in between vehicles that were parked.
When police arrived on scene, the found a silver vehicle leaving the area and attempted to stop the driver on a traffic violation Police say that's when the car drove off onto Old Grande Blvd. toward S. Broadway Ave.
"The silver Lexus was travelling at a high rate of speed toward a Tyler PD officer’s vehicle that was on S. Broadway," the TPD said in a press release. "The Lexus then collided with the patrol car."
A press release from the TPD said the officer sustained minor injuries and the suspect vehicle was not drivable following the crash. Police say three people ran from the car and one was caught.
Brown was arrested at the scene and booked into the Smith County Jail.
Police say after searching the vehicle, they found "multiple catalytic converters and other evidence including saws."
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.
