Man who fled WH police arrested

Following a wild car chase that included striking two Whitehouse peace officers, Clint Gage of Beaumont was taken into custody and booked into Smith County jail on an array of charges.

Last week Whitehouse PD received a call from a local store where Gage had entered several times, appearing to be intoxicated and wanting to buy beer. When Gage left the store, they called police to advise them of the situation since the man was driving.

"Sgt. James Stewart and Officer Bob Overman located the man and asked him to exit the vehicle, he refused and became combative,"

said Chief

Rick Waller. "When they tried to remove the suspect from the vehicle, he managed to get the car started and in gear and struck both officers as he sped away."

The officers were injured, but not too seriously to pursue the vehicle and call for assistance.

Smith County Sheriff's department and DPS joined in the chase through Arp, Overton and to Henderson. Gage left the roadway near Henderson when a tire blew out, said Waller. He fled into the woods on foot and was apprehended.

Gage remains in the Smith County jail with bonds totaling more than $600,000. Along with charges for driving while intoxicated and evading arrest, the suspect was booked on two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant.

Sgt. Stewart and Officer Overman are a bit sore, but returned to duty following the incident.