Man assaulted after stopping to help with flat tire, 2 people arrested after police chase

PALESTINE, Texas ( KETK ) — Two people were arrested following a chase in Palestine on Monday night.

According to the Palestine Police Department, officers were investigating shots fired on Monday at around 11:37 p.m. responded to the 100 block of Crockett Road of an alleged assault. When officers arrived at the scene, the victim reportedly told them that he had been struck in the head while helping two individuals with a flat tire and said the suspects left in a white truck.

Officers later found a white GMC pickup with a flat tire traveling on E. Park Avenue near Crockett. When officers stopped the vehicle, they attempted to contact the driver but the driver reportedly sped away.

The driver of the truck allegedly continued the chase for approximately four miles before crashing at the intersection of Carolina Street and Conway Street. The driver, later identified as Kevin Mancera, 18 of Palestine, fled the scene while the passenger, Sedonta Lyles, 19 of Palestine was ejected from the truck.

First responders arrived at the scene and treated Lyles and Mancera was detained a short time later.

“During a search of the vehicle, officers located a handgun in the driver compartment of the vehicle. The glock was found to have been altered with an automatic switch and was also reported stolen. An AR-15-style pistol was found in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Spent shell casings matching the caliber of the AR pistol were found on Lyle’s person,” Palestine PD said.

Mancera is being held on a $275,000 bond at the Anderson County Jail and has been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, theft of a firearm, unlawfully carrying weapons and evading arrest with a vehicle. Lyles is being held on a $175,000 bond and charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, theft of a firearm and unlawfully carrying weapons.

The Palestine Police Department said the investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected.

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