WARREN, Texas — Brian Benton, 46, was taken into custody following two high-speed vehicle pursuits in Warren over the weekend, according to authorities.
On Saturday morning, August 23, Tyler County deputies attempted to stop a Kia Soul on Highway 69 south of Warren for a traffic violation. Benton, the driver, refused to pull over, leading deputies on a chase through local county roads and back to Highway 69, where the vehicle reached speeds of up to 100 mph. The pursuit ended when the Kia lost control and crashed near FM 2827, leaving a large debris field.
Deputies found the vehicle abandoned with no sign of Benton, but recovered his wallet and cell phone at the scene. Witnesses confirmed Benton had been driving the vehicle earlier that day. Despite extensive searches with assistance from Ivanhoe and Woodville Police Departments, Benton was not located on Saturday night.
The next morning, August 24, deputies received reports of a stolen ATV heading toward Highway 69. Warren ISD Police Chief Steven Hoke spotted Benton driving the stolen ATV and began pursuit. Benton attempted to evade capture by driving through a wooded area near a construction zone but disabled the ATV and fled on foot. The ATV was recovered, but Benton again escaped.
Benton is now in custody at the Onalaska Police Department in Polk County. He faces two felony charges for evading arrest with a motor vehicle and one felony count of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. This case is ongoing, and more updates will be provided as information becomes available.
