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SMILES WITH SANTA - Darlene, Emily, Veronica and Erica Pina got to take a group photo with Santa Thursday during the Festival of Lights that was held in downtown Levelland. (Photo Courtesy of Delany Jackson) -
MR. & MRS. CLAUS - Santa and Mrs. Claus waved to the crowd during the parade portion of the Fesitval of Lights. After making their way downtown, Santa spent the evening taking photos and talking to children and families. (Photo Courtesy of Delany Jackson)
The Hockley County Sheriff’s Office, with the assistance of the Levelland Police Department, Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Department of Public Safety, arrested two individuals related to a vehicle pursuit, and aggravated assault offenses.
According to Hockley County Sheriff Ray Scifres, sherif’s deputies responded to a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed attempting to evade an LPD officer near West Avenue and Highway 114 in Levelland.
A deputy located the vehicle on Highway 114 west of College Avenue and attempted to conduct a traffic stop for violations.
The driver began to evade multiple law enforcement officers at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour eastbound along Highway 114.
While deputies pursued the vehicle, an occupant is alleged to have fired multiple shots at the lead deputy.
In the area of Highway 114 and Quail Road, the vehicle became disabled and two occupants fled in a further attempt to evade officers.
The passenger, identified as Leopoldo Martinez, 33, of Lubbock, was apprehended after a short foot pursuit in a field east of Quail Road after a taser deployment by the deputy.
With the assistance of the other agencies, a perimeter was established to contain the second individual while officers searched the area.
The driver, identified as Leroy Martinez, 32, of Lubbock, was later located in a field between S Highway 114 and Armadillo Road, east of Quail Road and taken into custody without further incident.
Additional evidence was recovered at the scene that included a firearm and a bulletproof vest. No officers were injured during the pursuit or apprehensions of individuals.
Villarreal has been booked on the following charges: Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon Against Peace Officer; Evading Arrest,Detention and Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon.
Martinez was booked on the following: Aggravated Assault with Deadly Weapon Against Peace Officer; Evading Arrest, Detention in Vehicle; Evading Arrest, Detention with Previous Conviction; Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility; Unlawful Possession of Body Armor by Felon; Unlawful Possession of Firearm by Felon; Parole Violation Warrant.
Both individuals are being held with bonds totaling $210,000 for Martinez, and $105,000 for Villarreal.
“Due to the continuing partnership with our fellow officers and neighboring agencies, as well as the professionalism and work of personnel, this situation came to a safe resolution with no injuries to officers, nor involved subjects,” said Scifres in a press release. “We are thankful for our partner agencies and their dedication to helping us all protect our communities from such actions.”
The release also states additional charges may be pending as the investigation is ongoing. Also, all subjects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.