ELLIS COUNTY, Texas — A routine traffic stop turned violent Friday afternoon when a Texas State Trooper was injured while attempting to arrest a driver on U.S. 287 near Black Champ Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Driver Resists Arrest After Attempted Traffic Stop
At around 3 p.m., the trooper tried to stop a red GMC pickup truck, but things quickly escalated. As the vehicle slowed down, the right front passenger jumped out of the moving truck and ran from the scene. Meanwhile, the driver, later identified as Jose Molina, 28, of Fort Worth, continued driving for a short distance before stopping.
When the trooper approached to make the arrest, Molina resisted, leading to a struggle that resulted in minor injuries to the trooper. The officer was later treated at a local hospital and is expected to recover.
Charges Filed Against Driver
Molina was taken into custody and transported to the Ellis County Jail, where he was charged with:
Evading arrest in a motor vehicle
Resisting arrest
Possession of marijuana
No bond information was immediately released.
Passenger Remains Unidentified
The passenger who fled on foot has not yet been identified. Authorities are still working to determine their identity and locate them. The investigation is ongoing, and DPS is urging anyone with information to come forward.
What began as a standard traffic stop ended with one trooper injured, one suspect arrested, and another on the run. As the Texas Department of Public Safety continues its investigation, the incident highlights the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers can face on the road.
