SAPD constable car struck by civilian driver during wanted man chase, 1 arrested

SAN ANGELO, Texas ( Concho Valley Homepage ) — A chase for a wanted San Angelo man involving multiple law enforcement agencies saw a civilian-driven vehicle collide with a constable’s car at a Chadbourne Street intersection during the midday hours of June 3.

According to SAPD Officer John Bouligny, members of the Texas Department of Public Safety were attempting to apprehend 39-year-old Bryan Espinoza at Home Motors Inc. on an outstanding warrant when he began to flee. Espinoza’s attempted escape prompted a multi-agency response, causing law enforcement to pursue him through the surrounding area.

Another SAPD officer at the scene told reporters that the collision occurred at the intersection of South Chadbourne Street and Christoval Road after a constable attempting to assist with the ongoing chase drove through the crossroads with his emergency lights on. A civilian motorist traveling south on Chadbourne Street failed to yield the right-of-way to the constable, resulting in the crash.

The civilian told first responders that she had a green light. The officer stated that drivers are still expected to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles if they have their lights on.

The officer stated that the civilian was transported to Shannon Medical Center to be evaluated for what is believed to be non-life-threatening injuries. The constable was unharmed.

Bouligny said that the chase concluded with Espinoza being apprehended at the rear parking lot of Rafter C Construction. He was taken to Shannon Medical Center to be evaluated, after which he was transported to the county jail.

According to jail records, Espinoza is now charged with evading arrest with a previous conviction. The arrest comes just one day after he was released from custody following a separate arrest on July 1 for driving with an invalid license, having an expired vehicle registration and failing to appear in court.

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