A high-speed chase through rural Liberty County ended in a dramatic water rescue Friday night after a suspect’s car plunged into the Trinity River.
At around 8:20 p.m. July 11, Liberty County Sheriff’s Deputy Collier attempted to stop a gray Ford sedan for a traffic violation on CR 2701 in Rye. The driver sped away, leading deputies on a pursuit through several back roads, including SH 146, FM 787 and multiple county roads.
The chase ended on CR 2166, where the vehicle left the roadway and rolled into the river off a steep embankment. The car came to rest partially submerged, trapping the driver inside.
Deputies Collier, Cpl. Katrena Johnston, and Deputies Kellum, Wolf and Scott leapt into action, climbing down the embankment and pulling the woman from the overturned vehicle. The deputies also rescued a service dog from the water. First aid was administered on scene as EMS units responded. The dog was placed in the backseat of Cpl. Johnston’s patrol vehicle and was later picked up by the driver’s mother.
The driver, identified as Kammy McCauley, 30, was airlifted to a nearby hospital. She was treated and later released with non-life-threatening injuries.
Sheriff Bobby Rader praised the deputies’ swift response.
“I know that there are many times that LCSO deputies do good things. They are very seldom recognized for the good things they do. There are times when they do things that people do not agree with. When that happens, social media and word of mouth are quick to condemn their actions. These deputies, at night, ran and jumped down an embankment that was at least 20 feet to the bottom. The deputies had no clue what the hazards might be below. They knew that help was needed and they did not hesitate to go in the river and save the person who was evading a traffic stop. They also saved a dog that was in the vehicle,” Rader said. “I really appreciate the dedication that each one of them have. They all took an oath to protect and serve. On this dark night, they did not hesitate to jump off an embankment into the river to rescue a person who needed help.”
Cpl. Johnston coordinated the rescue effort and ensured equipment and additional support were in place, Rader added.
“These deputies didn’t do it for attention. They did it because they care,” he said.
A search warrant was obtained for a blood sample from McCauley. Deputy Collier later filed a warrant for her arrest on a charge of felony Evading Arrest or Detention in a Vehicle.
Good job to these Sheriff deputies! They saved a life at the risk of there own lives.
Why was the driver released after being treated?
That’s a great question!
Great job LCSO!
Deputy Kellum is my granddaughter! She does have a lot of grit in her craw‼️‼️