Driver dead after Rockwall County shooting, chase ends in utility pole crash

Authorities said a pursuit by Rockwall County deputies ended Monday night in Royse City after a driver struck a utility pole, knocking out power to a “large portion” of residents in the city north of Interstate 30.

The driver, who was not identified by authorities, was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead, Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jim Barto said in a statement Tuesday.

The chase began after a Rockwall County deputy attempted to stop a vehicle with its temporary tag covered. Barto said the driver drove away and the unidentified passenger shot at the deputy multiple times.

The deputy, who was not hit by gunfire, began pursuing the vehicle as the driver was northbound on FM 548. A passenger jumped from the moving vehicle near State Highway 276, Barto said.

The driver continued driving and crashed near the intersection of FM 548 and I-30.

“Officers responded after determining the driver was no longer moving and he was removed from the vehicle,” Barto said. The driver was treated at the scene and pronounced dead.

Medical services stated that the passenger was “bloody and injured.” The passenger was transported to hospital, Barto added.

Barto did not immediately respond to a list of questions seeking additional information.

In a statement Tuesday, Chief Kirk Aldridge said Royse City Police assisted in ending the pursuit. He deferred further questions to the Rockwall County Sheriff’s Office.

More than 4,000 homes and businesses lost power when a driver struck a utility pole and downed power lines, said Andy Morgan, an Oncor spokesman.

Responding line crews rerouted and restored power to most affected Oncor customers in less than two hours. Morgan said power had been restored to remaining households and businesses by Tuesday morning.

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