DPS: SUSPECT IN BURLESON CO. STANDOFF WAS CONNECTED TO ARMED ROBBERY
(courtesy photo)
New details have been released on the nature of the warrant served last week against a Somerville man which led to his death after an 8-hour standoff.
DPS Sergeant Justin Ruiz confirmed that the warrant for 41-year-old James Matalice Smith was for an armed robbery that occurred August 14th at the Dollar General store off FM 60 at County Road 410, near Lake Somerville.
The night of Tuesday, August 17th, Burleson County Chief Deputy John Pollock was shot by Smith as he attempted to serve the warrant at Smith’s home off FM 60 near County Road 230, west of Snook. Pollock was hospitalized in Bryan and was released on Friday.
Smith barricaded himself inside of his home until 3 a.m. Wednesday, August 18th when he exited his home. Law enforcement believed Smith to be surrendering and attempted to take him into custody, when DPS said he shot a trooper in the arm. Law enforcement returned fire and hit Smith, who was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The injured trooper has been identified as Highway Patrol Trooper Joshua Strawn, who DPS says has been released from the hospital and is recovering from his injuries. Strawn is currently stationed at the Freeport office and has 16 years of service with the department.