In the early morning hours of December 27, 2025, Sealy Police Department night shift patrol units were dispatched to a business in the 2300 block of Highway 36 South in reference to an alarm call.
When officers arrived, they located a suspect behind the building who was actively loading a riding lawn mower onto a truck and trailer. As officers approached, the suspect fled the scene on foot and was not located at that time. Following an investigation, Sealy Police identified James Fischer, 26, as the suspect and obtained charges related to the incident. Fischer was later apprehended by an outside law enforcement agency.
According to Sealy Police, Fischer has been charged with the following offenses:
Theft of Property – Class A Misdemeanor
A Class A misdemeanor theft charge typically applies when the value of the stolen property falls within a higher misdemeanor range. If convicted, Fischer faces up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
Criminal Mischief – Class A Misdemeanor
This charge relates to damage caused during the incident. A conviction may carry up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000.
Evading Arrest or Detention – Class A Misdemeanor
This charge stems from the suspect fleeing from officers. If convicted, Fischer could face up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $4,000, or both.
False Report to a Peace Officer – Class B Misdemeanor
A Class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in county jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
Sealy Police Department thanked the Austin County Sheriff’s Office and the Wallis Police Department for their assistance during the search for the suspect the night of the incident.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
