by Chief of Police DeWayne Philpot
CONVICTION UPDATE OF TEAGUE POLICE CASE
On December 3, 2021 approximately 10:45 am Teague Police Department became aware of a stolen vehicle may be coming into Teague on SH 179. Our on-duty officer was on SH 179 watching traffic for the vehicle. The officer spotted the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The driver, identified as Colbin J. Wright (at the time a 29-year-old), unwisely chose to flee the officer. A vehicle pursuit ensued at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour along US Hwy 84, into Mexia (Limestone County), and ultimately ending at a property on County Road 984. Our officer was joined by Deputies of the Freestone and Limestone County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife (Game Wardens), and Mexia Police Department during this time. The chase lasted approximately 50 miles in which nearly 40 vehicles were subjected to the danger he posed with the high-speed pursuit. The vehicle was abandoned by Wright and a female passenger, who both fled on foot from the vehicle. Teague Volunteer Fire Department also assisted with equipment (ATV and Drone) to help officers locate the suspect. The female passenger was found and detained a short time later. Wright, however, continued fleeing officers/deputies. He was finally apprehended after stealing a zero-turn mower, which he was using to try to escape from the officers perimeter. He was taken into custody and booked into the Limestone County Jail to await prosecution. The vehicle was recovered and ultimately returned to the owner.
This past Monday – February 27, 2023, the trail for Colbin Wright began in Limestone County, which was mutually agreed on by Freestone and Limestone County Prosecutors. Our officer testified at the trial for approximately 4 hours. There were a many others that testified at the trial as well.
Teague Police Department has just learned the results of the trial. Colbin Wright has an extensive criminal history, which played a factor in his punishment ranges. He was found guilty and sentenced as follows:
1. Theft of Property – for the lawn mower. – 15-year sentence with a $5649 fine (incidentally this is the value of the lawn mower).
2. Evading with Motor Vehicle. – 99-year sentence.
A fabulous job done by our officer and coordinated efforts from Deputies of the Freestone and Limestone County Sheriff’s Offices, Texas Parks and Wildlife (Game Wardens), Teague Volunteer Fire Department, Mexia Police Department, along with the prosecutor’s offices in both Freestone and Limestone Counties. It will be a very long time before this person wreaks havoc in our communities again!
