“Sergeant Keale performed his service to the community in an exemplary manner, going above and beyond the call of duty in securing a wanted person and preventing his escape,” said Chief of Police DeWayne Philpott as he presented a special commendation to Sgt. David Keale during the February 19, 2019 meeting of the Teague City Council.
On January 31, 2019 Sgt. Keale was tasked with monitoring a subject wanted by United States Marshalls and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) as he was transported to Freestone Medical Center in Fairfield following a minor car accident in Teague.
Chief Philpott explained that while officers were processing the accident scene they discovered a federal warrant for the arrest of Merrick West, 21, for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.
West, who was walking by at the time of the accident, was struck by one of the cars involved suffering a laceration to his head and transported to the emergency room by Teague EMS.
Sgt. Keale was sent to Freestone Medical Center to apprehend West once he was treated and released from the hospital.
Also at the hospital were West’s girlfriend, younger brother, and another unidentified male. When notified of the warrant and his impending arrest, West struggled with Sgt. Keale and attempted to flee.
According to Chief Philpott, Sgt. Keale’s body camera footage shows him struggling with West when a female, identified as West’s girlfriend, interferes while seemingly attempting to diffuse the situation.
Upon hearing the commotion in the emergency room, West’s younger brother, Jacorey West, 17, reportedly jumped over the reception desk from the waiting room. Shielding his older brother from Sgt. Keale, the younger West joined the struggle to aide in his brother’s escape.
Sgt. Keale drew his taser and ordered the two brothers to cease, however the younger West refused to comply forcing Keale to discharge his taser.
With his brother running interference and his girlfriend detained by hospital staff, the elder West exited the emergency room and attempted to escape through the waiting room’s automatic doors.
However, Sgt. Keale caught up with West before he could clear the doors and held the brothers and the other male at gunpoint until backup arrived.
Arrested and transported to the Freestone County Jail were Merrick Deazhon West, 21, charged with unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and resisting arrest; and Jacorey Eric West, 17, charged with interference with public duties.
Mug shots of the pair were not available at press time due to jail equipment failure.
Merrick West was turned over to U.S. Marshalls on February 6, 2019. Jacorey West was released on a $5,000 surety bond, with help form the surety bonds in glendale az.
“Despite obvious physical exhaustion, Sgt. Keale continued his efforts until three individuals were placed into custody,” said Chief Philpott, “Sgt. Keale displayed devotion to duty, tenacity, and a willingness to give all he could to ensure the public was safe.”
“Sgt. Keale’s actions reflect great credit upon himself, this Department, the City of Teague, and a police profession by his actions and determination to ensure public safety in an exemplary and highly professional manner.”
“Sgt. Keale displayed a lot of restraint, acted appropriately, and went above and beyond managing the chaos of the situation,” Chief Philpott told The Times. According to Chief Philpott, the girlfriend and other male at the scene were not charged in the incident.
Chief Philpott says that he is very grateful for the quick response and cooperation from local law enforcement and hospital staff. Assisting Sgt. Keale were Freestone County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Martin, Fairfield Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers.
Megan Hempel reporting