160 grams of meth recovered after chase through East Texas hay field

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) — Two were arrested on Monday following a car chase and seizure of 160 grams of methamphetamine, the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said.

Authorities said they received a FLOCK camera read of a stolen vehicle coming into Franklin County from Winnsboro. The FLOCK system is a camera than can detect a wanted car and send an alert automatically to local law enforcement.

A deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle which reportedly initiated a vehicle pursuit.

“The suspect vehicle fled down a county road and into a hay field where it sustained significant damage after crashing through a metal gate and traveling over the rough terrain at a high rate of speed. Due to the damage, the vehicle was disabled behind a private residence off Highway 37,” the sheriff’s office said.

Officials were then able to detain Larry Michael Matta, of Denison, and Shelby Rhae McNeil, of Pittsburg.

During a search of the roadways and vehicle, police found approximately 160 grams of methamphetamine, other suspected narcotics and multiple pieces of illegal narcotics paraphernalia, officials said.

Matta was charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest with a motor vehicle and tampering with physical evidence. McNeil was charged with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance. Both were taken to the Franklin County Jail.

The sheriff’s office thanked the Mount Vernon Police Department, Franklin County Water District Lake Patrol and DPS Troopers for their assistance in the pursuit and arrest. Franklin County Sheriff Ricky Jones also highlighted the effectiveness of the FLOCK camera system that identified the stolen vehicle.

“This is the third stolen vehicle that we have recovered, in as many weeks, thanks to the FLOCK system. This system has already proven itself to be invaluable investigative tool and is making Franklin County a safer place every day,” Jones said.

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