TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO HIGH SPEED CHASE ON I-10 SATURDAY

  

A traffic stop lead to a high-speed chase on I-10 Saturday.  Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek reports that on Saturday afternoon about 3:00, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Canine Unit Sergeant Randy Thumann and K9 partner Kolt, stopped a Black Toyota Camry on Interstate 10 for a traffic violation. After speaking to the driver, Thumann became suspicious that the vehicle was involved in transporting illegal narcotics. While Sergeant Thumann was conducting a roadside interview, the vehicle sped off at a high rate of speed.  Thumann and Investigator Smith pursued the vehicle for approximately 11 miles. During the Pursuit the driver was throwing what later was discovered as bricks of cocaine out the window. The driver eventually stopped and gave up without incident. Law Enforcement authorities were able to recover 5 bricks of cocaine. A total weight of approximately 5.45 kilos and an estimated street value of $500,000 in cocaine was recovered. The driver Jose Venegas (45) of Houston was arrested for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Evading Arrest Detention with a Vehicle and Tampering with Evidence and taken to the Fayette County Jail.