On Monday, November 11, 2024 an Austin County Deputy arrested a suspect following a dangerous high-speed chase and child endangerment incident that unfolded Saturday evening, November 9, along I-10 near Sealy, Texas. The pursuit began when an Austin County Deputy conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a moving violation while westbound on I-10 near the 718-mile marker. As the deputy exited his patrol truck to approach the vehicle, the driver abruptly accelerated away, initiating a reckless attempt to evade law enforcement. During the chase, the deputy observed the suspect discarding multiple items from the vehicle. Sealy Police Department officers later located the items, which were identified as several illegal substances, including Adderall, Cocaine, Ecstasy or Fentanyl pills, Marijuana, Methamphetamine, Xanax, and Vicodin.
The chase continued westbound on I-10 and eventually crossed into Colorado County. At the intersection of I-10 and FM 949, the suspect briefly stopped, exited the vehicle to flee on foot, then unexpectedly returned to the car and emerged holding a young child. Law enforcement officials believe the child may have been used as a shield to delay the arrest. The Austin County Deputy safely took custody of the child, who was later examined by Colorado County EMS and other medical professionals. The child was unharmed and released to family members. After the child’s rescue, Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) troopers assisted in apprehending the suspect, identified as 45-year-old Derrick Wheaton. The Colorado County Sheriff’s Office also assisted at the scene.
Wheaton faces multiple charges, including Abandonment and Endangerment of a Child with Imminent Danger, Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle, Possession of Controlled Substances (PG 1, PG 2, and PG 3), Possession of Marijuana, Reckless Driving, and Tampering with Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair. Additionally, Wheaton was arrested on four active felony warrants from Bexar County. Following his arrest, Wheaton was transported and booked into the Austin County Jail without incident.
