NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) — A man is in custody and another remains at large after allegedly stealing a tractor and leading law enforcement on a lengthy manhunt in Polk County on Monday, August 18.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the stolen tractor was reported missing from the Southland Plantation subdivision. Deputies quickly developed leads and located the tractor nearby, where several individuals were present.
As detectives approached the scene, two men fled on foot. A perimeter was established with assistance from multiple agencies, and a search warrant was obtained for the property. The stolen tractor was successfully recovered and returned to its owner.
One Suspect Arrested After Multi-Vehicle Crime Spree
Authorities identified the fleeing suspects as Sidney Murphrey and Christopher Shawn Smith.
Murphrey was apprehended later in the day after a dramatic series of events in which he allegedly stole multiple recreational vehicles and rammed Sheriff Byron Lyons’ patrol car while trying to escape. He was arrested and faces the following charges:
Aggravated assault against a public servant
Two counts of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle
Two counts of evading arrest/detention with prior conviction
Parole violation – evading arrest with a vehicle
Outstanding warrant for theft of property ($2,500–$30,000) from Liberty County
Murphrey is currently held in custody.
Second Suspect Still at Large
The second suspect, Christopher Shawn Smith, is still being sought by authorities. He has an active misdemeanor warrant for theft of property, with additional charges pending in relation to the August 18 incident.
Authorities note that Smith has a distinctive chin tattoo, which he reportedly tries to hide by growing out his facial hair while evading arrest.
Multi-Agency Response
The manhunt involved coordinated efforts from several law enforcement agencies, including:
Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol
Texas Game Wardens
Alabama-Coushatta Police Department
Onalaska Police Department
Sheriff Byron Lyons commended the teamwork and community tips that led to the arrest of one suspect and the recovery of the stolen tractor.
