Tips from the public helped Liberty County Pct. 4 investigators identify a Dayton man accused of fleeing from deputies during a July 29 vehicle pursuit, ultimately leading to two felony charges.
Roy Lee Holcomb II, 20, of Dayton, is charged with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unlawful restraint exposing a person to the risk of serious bodily injury, both third-degree felonies.
According to the Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office, the investigation began after deputies initiated a vehicle pursuit on July 29. The pursuit eventually led law enforcement to a wooded area along County Road 442 in Dayton, where the chase was terminated.
Afterward, the constable’s office turned to the public and news media for assistance identifying the people who had been inside the suspect vehicle.
Investigators reportedly received numerous anonymous tips identifying the driver and passengers. Based on those tips and other evidence gathered during the investigation, authorities identified Holcomb as the alleged driver.
On July 31, Pct. 4 investigators presented a probable cause affidavit seeking an arrest warrant for Holcomb to Liberty County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Larry Wilburn. Wilburn issued a warrant charging Holcomb with evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, a third-degree felony.
Investigators did not pursue charges against the passengers, citing insufficient evidence to support prosecution.
The investigation continued, however, and authorities said additional information and evidence provided probable cause for another charge against Holcomb.
On Aug. 5, investigators presented a second probable cause affidavit, this time to Liberty County Pct. 4 Justice of the Peace Stephen Hebert. Hebert issued an arrest warrant for unlawful restraint exposing a person to the risk of serious bodily injury, also a third-degree felony.
On July 14, Holcomb, who authorities said was already on felony probation for robbery in Chambers County, reported to his probation officer in Anahuac.
The Liberty County Pct. 4 Constable’s Office contacted the Chambers County Sheriff’s Office, and Holcomb was taken into custody at the Chambers County Probation Office without incident.
Holcomb remains in the Chambers County Jail on charges of evading arrest or detention with a vehicle and unlawful restraint exposing a person to the risk of serious bodily injury.
According to the constable’s office, Holcomb’s probation officer also is filing a petition seeking to revoke his probation related to a second-degree felony robbery charge in Chambers County.
Pct. 4 Constable Robby Thornton thanked the citizens who provided information to investigators, saying the tips were instrumental in identifying Holcomb.