UPDATE: Big Country theft suspect arrested after allegedly taking more ATVs, vehicles while fleeing

SAN ANGELO, Texas (Concho Valley Homepage) — A fugitive wanted by numerous law enforcement agencies in West Central Texas was caught in Dove Creek, according to the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office (TGSO).

TGSO in a press release said the wanted fugitive, named Scotty Ray Dyer, was apprehended after a “chaotic” pursuit in the morning of July 25.

“Scotty Ray Dyer, white male, 47 years old, of Brownfield, Texas, was arrested at approximately 10:18 a.m. after attempting to evade officers by entering the waters of Dove Creek,” said TGSO.

The press release states the incident began around 7:05 a.m. when the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office received a call from a citizen in the 11,000 block of Twin Lakes Lane reporting that an individual had knocked on their door claiming to be a federal agent. The individual was later identified as Dyer. Dyer later was riding an ATV and had already driven through two fences in the area. When deputies responded, Dyer fled through dense brush and over additional fences.

TGSO said in the press release that over the next two hours, Dyer burglarized a residence and outbuildings and stole at least two ATVs and two other vehicles in his attempts to escape. It was reported that deputies later located Dyer driving on Dove Creek Lane East and initiated a short pursuit. The pursuit ended when Dyer crashed through a fence and into a group of trees causing him to try to flee on foot. TGSO reported that Dyer hid for and avoided being captured for 40 minutes by hiding in and around the water before finally being taken into custody.

“Assistance was requested from the San Angelo Police Department K-9 and drone teams, along with ground and air support from the Texas Department of Public Safety,” said TGSO.

Dyer, at the time of publication, is at Tom Green County Sheriff’s Detention Center being processed on outstanding warrants from Terry County for Theft, Assault, and Possession of Controlled Substances. It is also reported that additional charges from Tom Green, Brown, Coleman, and Jones Counties are expected.

“Dyer’s criminal history includes over thirty arrests and convictions for Burglary and drug offenses,” said TGSO.

On July 23, Dyer had eluded Brown County authorities and is a suspect in multiple vehicle thefts. On July 24, Dyer eluded Coleman County authorities and is a suspect in multiple felonies, including theft of a firearm.   

“The Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the San Angelo Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Dove Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and the citizens of Tom Green County for their assistance in apprehending this dangerous fugitive,” said TGSO.