UPDATE:
From the Austin County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page:
As of 12:30 PM, James Baker is in custody. Outstanding work by the Wallis Police Department, whose dedicated efforts were instrumental in locating the suspect. We appreciate your teamwork and commitment to keeping our community safe.
A patrol deputy with the Austin County Sheriff’s Office attempted a traffic stop on Nov. 19, 2025, in Wallis, but the driver refused to pull over and continued down the roadway. As the vehicle sped up, the driver turned onto back roads in an attempt to evade law enforcement. Deputies initiated a pursuit, which ultimately ended near Highway 1093 West in Wallis when the driver abandoned the vehicle and ran from the scene. Deputies set up a perimeter and searched the area with support from the sheriff’s office K-9 unit, drone team, and additional personnel. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the Wallis Police Department also assisted in the search.
The driver was identified as James Baker of Bellville, who is currently wanted on a parole violation warrant. Baker remains at large, and authorities have not stated whether he is armed. The public is urged to use caution if they encounter him.
Based on the traffic stop and fleeing incident, Baker may face the following charges under Texas law:
Evading arrest or detention with a vehicle:
A state jail felony punishable by up to two years in a state jail facility and a fine of up to $10,000. If the suspect has a prior conviction for evading arrest, the charge may be elevated to a third-degree felony, carrying a penalty of two to 10 years in prison.
Evading arrest or detention on foot:
A Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $4,000. When both vehicular and foot evasion occur, the felony charge typically takes precedence.
Parole violation:
Penalties vary depending on the original case but generally result in the individual being returned to custody with the potential for additional confinement.
The Austin County Sheriff’s Office states that it remains committed to protecting victims of crime and maintaining public safety. Anyone with information on Baker’s location is asked to contact the Austin County Sheriff’s Office at 979-865-3111 or Austin County Crime Stoppers at 979-221-7179. Tipsters may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward.
