NACOGDOCHES, Texas — A New York man was arrested in East Texas after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase and was found with evidence potentially linking him to a large-scale fraud ring.
Michael Foluso Thomas, 32, of Elmont, New York, was booked into the Nacogdoches County Jail on evading arrest, resisting arrest, and two counts of fraud on Dec. 31.
Deputies attempted to stop Thomas’ vehicle on Highway 59 for a traffic violation. The SUV initially pulled over, but Thomas fled as deputies approached. He exited onto the off-ramp to Highway 7 West, lost control of the vehicle, which flipped onto its side, and then escaped on foot. He was quickly apprehended after a short foot chase.
During the incident, Thomas sustained an injury to his right arm after breaking the car’s front window. Deputies applied a tourniquet and transported him to a local hospital before booking him into jail.
A search of the vehicle revealed numerous fake identification cards, fraudulent credit cards, and items purchased using the fraudulent devices, according to the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office.
Thomas’ total bond was set at $305,000, and authorities say additional charges are likely as the investigation continues.
