Published: April 17, 2008 02:16 pm            

Manhunt nets 16-year-old suspect

By Kelly Young

kyoung@jacksonvilleprogress.com

Following a three-hour manhunt, a 16-year-old Tyler girl was arrested Sunday afternoon for allegedly robbing a residence off FM 13 in Cherokee County.

The juvenile was charged with aggravated robbery and is being held at the Anderson County Juvenile Detention Center in Palestine.

Officials with the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department said they were first made aware of the incident about 11 a.m. Sunday. The department received a 9-1-1 call from a woman who claimed she had just been assaulted during an attempted robbery of her home.

“The complainant, Trina Davis, advised that on the morning of April 13, she heard a knock at her front door and found a young female asking for help,” said Chief Investigator Chris White. “The female stated that she had been forced out of a vehicle nearby and was in need of assistance. She further stated that she was in need of an asthma inhaler and refused professional medical assistance due to her stating that she was an illegal immigrant from Mexico.”

According to White, after being allowed into the home, the girl attacked Davis with a can of pepper mace. Jennifer Taylor, Davis’ daughter, who had been sleeping in a nearby room, heard the juvenile say “You’re going to die...” and rushed to her mother’s aid.

“During this altercation, Ms. Taylor was able to dial 9-1-1 and seek assistance. After hearing the call to 9-1-1, the young woman fled into a nearby wooded area,” he said.

Law enforcement authorities immediately began organizing the resources needed in order to conduct a fugitive manhunt.

“After establishing a perimeter in the area, sheriff’s office personnel assisted Texas Department of Corrections K9 officers in tracking the young woman,” White said. “The manhunt included five investigators and three patrol deputies from the sheriff’s department, two TDC officers and one officer from the Troup Police Department.”

About 2:45 p.m., a resident on FM 15 notified Smith County 9-1-1 he had seen the young woman on his property and was holding her at gun point. Officers conducting the perimeter search had notified the man of the manhunt, and he was able to identify the suspect from the officers’ description.

The crime reportedly took place just east of Troup. White said the juvenile was located about four miles from the scene of the crime, having run in a straight line through the woods.

It is believed the suspect fled the scene before she was able to steal any items from the home. White said the victim suffered redness and slight bruising, but did no injuries requiring any medical attention.

The following arrests were made by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Department and the Department of Public Safety for the period of April 8 through April 14.

• Julio Aguilar, public intoxication. A fine was set at $300.

• Alejandro Cabrales, public intoxication. A fine was set at $300.

• Hector Duran, theft of property. Bond was set at $7,500.

• Manuel M. Escueta, assault causing bodily injury. Bond was set at $1,500.

• Daniel L. Gattis, criminal trespass. Bond was set at $750.

• James P. George, public intoxication. A fine was set at $304.

• Donald E. Graham, failure to appear. Bond was set at $5,000.

• Andres Gutierrez, driving while intoxicated, speeding and no driver’s license. Bonds were set at $1,500, $160 and $200.

• Billy R. Hicks Jr., possession of marijuana and driving while intoxicated. Bonds were set at $1,500 and $1,500.

• Darrell J. Legnon Jr., theft of property. Bond was set at $7,500.

• Malcomb P. Magliolo, forgery and burglary (Webster Parish warrant). Bond was set at $1,500 and he is being held.

• Charles J. Motes, possession of marijuana and public intoxication. Bonds were set at $1,500 and $300.

• Mearlon G. Scott, theft by check. Bond was set at $500.

• Pedro M. Serrato, driving while intoxicated (third or more offense). Bond was set at $7,500.

• William C. Sides, assault/family violence causing bodily injury. Bond was set at $2,500.

• Rhonda L. Stone, criminal solicitation to commit capital murder. Bond was set at $200,000.

• Alfredo R. Suarez, driving while intoxicated. Bond was set at $1,500.

• Ken O. Sullinger driving while intoxicated (second offense). Bond was set at $2,500.

• George G. Trahan, possession of marijuana. Bond was set at $1,500.

• Travis J. Ward, theft of property. Bond was set at $2,000.

        

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