UVALDE COUNTY, Texas -- Authorities are searching for a suspect after a Ulvalde County Sheriff's patrol vehicle was hit by gunfire multiple times over the weekend.
A deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop near the intersection of US Hwy 83 North and FM 1050 in Ulvalde County around 9:28 p.m. Saturday when the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sped away from the stop and was pursued into Real County, according to a news release.
At approximately 9:52 pm, the vehicle crashed into a tree on private property off FM 1120 in Real County and initially fled on foot from the vehicle before opening fire on the deputy, striking his patrol vehicle multiple times. The deputy returned fire at the suspect, who fled into a nearby wooded area.
Multiple Agencies responded to the location to assist including Real County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens, Texas Highway Patrol, Border Patrol Agents and BORTAC, Real County Constable, and the Texas Rangers.
The suspect, identified as Dustin Whitlock, remains at large. Authorities said that Whitlock is a registered sex offender and is considered armed and dangerous.
"We want to again thank all those who have helped out during this incident. Local, state, and federal agencies, but most importantly, the citizens who have helped spread the word and supported law enforcement," Uvalde County Sheriff Charles Mendeke said in a statement. "We as a community, both Uvalde and Real, want to make sure and say thank you to that deputy and his family for the diligent work he did, does, and will continue to do for Uvalde County and it’s citizens. In what can sometimes feel like a thankless job, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming and does not go unnoticed."
