Rollover crash results in 3 detained after shots fired in Smith County pursuit

SMITH COUNTY, Texas (KLTV) - A Monday morning pursuit ended in a rollover crash on I-20 in Smith County, authorities say. According to Smith County Sheriff’s Department PIO Sgt. Larry Christian, the pursuit began in Harrison County when a vehicle believed to have been stolen in Mississippi fled officials. The pursuit led through Gregg County, Christian said, before Smith County law enforcement picked it up around 9 a.m. The vehicle fled west on Interstate 20 until exiting onto Jim Hogg road, where Christian said the occupants opened fire on the pursuing deputies. The pursuit then led to U.S. 69 in Lindale and ended up returning to I-20 West, Christian said, and ultimately led to the Van Zandt County line. Here, the vehicle attempted to exit the interstate once more, and Christian said the maneuver resulted in a rollover crash. The driver of the vehicle was transported to a nearby hospital for injuries, Christian said, and two other occupants were detained at the scene. Christian was unable to comment on the condition of any of the three occupants but noted that no law enforcement officials were injured at any point in the incident. In a later interview with Texas DPS Sgt. Adam Albritton and Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith, it was revealed that the driver’s injury was caused by a gunshot wound to the leg. Due to the officer involved shooting, Smith said the investigation would be aided by the Texas Rangers. The scene of the crash is being treated as a crime scene, Christian said, and the agencies assisting Smith County investigators at the time of reporting were listed as Texas DPS, Smith County Pct. 5 Constable’s Office, Lindale Police Department, and Van Police Department.