Montgomery County, TX – Drivers along State Highway 99 experienced tense moments Tuesday after a high-speed pursuit ended with the arrest of a wanted fugitive in western Montgomery County.
According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, deputies with the East Command Hot Spot Unit were patrolling SH 99 on Tuesday, December 30, when they spotted a white Dodge pickup truck traveling westbound. The driver was later identified as 43-year-old Fred Shugart, who authorities say was known to law enforcement and had multiple active warrants.
Investigators say Shugart allegedly had outstanding warrants for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, along with a warrant issued by the Texas Department of Pardons and Paroles. After deputies confirmed his identity, they attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Valley Ranch Parkway.
According to officials, Shugart refused to stop and instead accelerated westbound on SH 99, prompting a multi-agency pursuit involving Montgomery County deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers.
Authorities say the pursuit covered approximately 11 miles, with Shugart allegedly reaching high speeds while attempting to evade law enforcement. The chase ended when Shugart exited the freeway at Riley Fuzzel Road, where his vehicle became inoperable on a feeder road.
Deputies took Shugart into custody without further incident. No injuries were reported, and officials did not indicate that any other vehicles were struck during the pursuit.
In addition to his existing warrants, Shugart now faces new charges for Evading Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, according to the sheriff’s office. He was booked into the Montgomery County Jail, where he remains in custody as of Tuesday.
Residents traveling along SH 99 are urged to remain alert and follow posted speed limits, especially during active law enforcement operations.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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