BRENHAM MAN EVADED CAPTURE SUNDAY EVENING
Washington Co. Jail photo
A Brenham man wanted by the authorities, evaded capture Sunday evening after a chase that included a vehicle and on foot. Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak reports that Sunday at 7:00 PM, a Washington County Deputy observed an individual, he believed to be 25 year old Brenham resident Gamarcus DeWayne Sheppard, obtaining fuel at a gas station on South Market Street in Brenham. Deputy Eric Crosby was aware that Sheppard wanted by Washington County authorities on recently issued felony arrest warrants. The warrants were associated with vehicle burglaries that occurred Mother’s Day weekend in Washington County. An arrest warrant was also issued for Credit Card Abuse due to his theft of a credit card from a vehicle burglary. The card was later used at a local convenience store.
As Deputy Crosby approached Sheppard and his vehicle to confirm his identity, which he did, Sheppard entered his vehicle and fled. Deputy Crosby, due to the weather and road conditions followed Sheppard, with emergency lighting and siren activated, hoping Sheppard would stop. Sheppard traveled to U.S. 290 where he entered US 290 East and later turned onto Wonderhill Road, where he eventually made it to SH 36 South. Still not stopping, Sheppard turned off of SH 36 South onto All Jersey Road and eventually onto Pleasant Hill School Road. At this point, Sheppard stopped his vehicle and fled arrest on foot. After a lengthy search of the area, Sheppard was not located and his vehicle was towed. Sheppard was released from the Washington County Jail March 11 after he posted bond on 6 felony charges.
Additional felony arrest warrants for Evading Arrest – Vehicle and Evading Arrest-On Foot has been issued. Sheppard has an extensive criminal history in Washington County. The Washington County Sheriff's Office is requesting that anyone having information on the location of Sheppard to contact Washington County 911 or the non-emergency number of (979) 277-7373. Washington County Crime Stoppers is offering a $2500 reward for a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of Sheppard. Anonymous tips can be called in to Crime Stoppers at 979-836-TIPS (8477).
The Washington County Sheriff's Office was assisted in the search by the Brenham Police Department and a Texas Game Warden.
This incident is yet another that indicates the simple-mindedness of criminals and their dealings with law enforcement. By driving away and not allowing himself to be detained, the suspect put himself, the deputy, and any others on those roads in danger. Now that he is wanted and is being actively searched for, it may be that his actions cause himself or others to be injured in that process. Statistics collected over the last 10 years bear out that this is the time when suspects and their actions result in their injuries and deaths. Shouldn’t the local Black Lives Matter counselors and activists be relating this to those who have outstanding warrants and who may be searched for by local authorities? No doubt if he has any sort of item that may be considered a weapon and approaches deputies with it, refuses to relinquish it, and is injured by them, it will be another media frenzy. I would hope that he would not be allowed to bond out when he is captured.