Sheriff Leon Lott announces the arrest of Michael Evans (DOB: 6/22/73) following a traffic stop that led to a brief vehicle pursuit.
On September 5, 2025, around 1:00 pm, an RCSD deputy observed a vehicle with defective brake lights driving in the area of Middle Street and Roof Street. The deputy initiated a traffic stop; the driver, later identified as Evans, failed to stop, initiating a vehicle pursuit.
Evans began to drive recklessly, weaving through traffic and disregarding traffic control devices, placing other drivers at risk. The pursuit lasted just under 10 minutes and ended at the 2700 block of Decker Boulevard when deputies successfully disabled the vehicle and boxed him in. After immobilizing the suspect vehicle, Evans attempted to accelerate and drive through RCSD vehicles to flee. Evans barricaded himself inside the vehicle. Deputies began call-outs and continued call-outs for the remaining duration of the incident; Evans did not comply. In order to gain compliance, deputies used multiple tactics. Subsequently, a lighter in the backseat of the suspect vehicle caught fire; at that time, Evans surrendered. Deputies pulled him from the burning vehicle.
RCSD was later informed that Dent Middle School was placed on Secure status at the direction of school officials.
One deputy was injured during the chase and transported to a local hospital. The deputy is expected to recover. Evans was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Once the suspect is released from the hospital, he will be booked at Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center. No additional injuries or property damage were reported.
Evans is charged with Reckless Driving, Failure to Stop for Blue Lights, Driving Under Suspension, and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.
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This photo is a booking photo for Evans from 2024