Photo Courtesy of the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office
A Grimes County man, subject of a months long search before apprehension, was sentenced to prison on Monday afternoon.
35 year old Steven Benefield of Shiro was given 15 years in prison or Evading Arrest with a Vehicle and Bail Jumping.
Benefield took Grimes County deputies on a high speed chase in January of 2019. During the chase, a deputy lost control of their patrol vehicle and hit a tree, where the vehicle caught fire. The deputy escaped and was taken to the hospital, where he made a full recovery.
In October, Benefield’s trial began for the pursuit. On the second day, Benefield, who was out of jail on bond, failed to show up for court. The trail continued, where Benefield was found guilty but sentencing was not completed. Shortly after, he was indicted on the charge of Bail Jumping.
In February, following multiple tips on his whereabouts, authorities arrested Benefield near Shiro, after 4 months on the run.
Benefield pleaded guilty to both charges and received 15 years, to be served concurrently. He awaits in the Grimes County Jail until his transfer to prison.