A high speed chase near Shiro resulted in the injury of a Grimes County Sheriff’s Deputy.
According to the press release, deputies were called to a residence in Shiro for a man who arrived at a residence on motorcycle and was making threats toward his estranged wife. While en route to the scene, the officer spotted the motorcycle on Highway 30. When the officer initiated a traffic stop, the motorcycle sped away rapidly.
The pursuit continued through Northern Grimes, during which the driver showed disregard for others and himself, driving recklessly at speeds in excess of 130 mph.
During the chase, rain began and made the roads slick. The Grimes County deputy lost control of his vehicle when hydroplaning, causing him to go off the road, go airborne, and flip the vehicle multiple times before striking a tree and catching fire. The officer was able to escape the vehicle safely.
Deputies captured the driver of the motorcycle about a mile north of the accident scene, where he was arrested.
The suspect was identified as 34 year old Steven Benefield of Shiro. He was booked in the Grimes County Jail and charged with Evading Arrest with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, which is a 3rd degree felony.
The opfficer, identified as Sheriff’s Deputy Reed Edelman, was taken to the hospital for injuries to his vertebra. He was relased and is recovering at home.
Benefield remains in the Grimes County Jail on $50,000 bond.
