It's safe to say that Smith County Sheriff's have been pretty busy as of late. We received a rush of press releases from the Smith County Sheriff's Office yesterday about two separate incidents, one involving an alleged car thief who was captured and the other of an aggravated robbery where police are asking for the public's help in apprehending the suspect.

Smith County Deputies Apprehend Stolen Vehicle Suspect

According to police, on June 13 at approximately 1:15 a.m., Smith County Deputies responded to a stolen vehicle call in the 13000 block of County Road 4220 near Lindale. Upon arrival, Deputies were informed that a 2011 Lincoln MKX black in color had just been stolen from this residence. Deputies then began to search the area in and around Lindale.

The Suspect Lead Police On A Car Chase

Shortly thereafter, a Deputy observed an SUV matching the description of the stolen vehicle in the parking lot of the McDonald’s in Lindale. At first glance, the vehicle appeared to be empty. As the Deputy approached the vehicle on foot, he soon realized the suspect was still inside the SUV. The suspect sped out of the parking lot and headed south on Hwy. 69 with the Deputy in pursuit.

The suspect continued south on Hwy 69 when he attempted to make a right turn onto Elmwood Street in Swan at an excessive rate of speed. The suspect drove into a ditch and then fled from the vehicle on foot. Deputies soon apprehended him in a heavily wooded area nearby. A check of the stolen vehicle revealed a loaded semi-automatic handgun.

The Suspect was identified as Warren Dewayne Williams – 17 of Wake Village, Louisiana.

Warren Williams was allegedly also involved in a pursuit several minutes earlier that was initiated by Lindale PD involving a separate stolen vehicle. Several persons were seen fleeing this vehicle on foot near Harvey Road outside of Lindale. Williams apparently made it to the residence on County Road 4220 where he stole the Lincoln MKX.

Williams was transported to the Smith County Jail where he was booked in for Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Evading Arrest with a Vehicle, Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon, and Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Smith County Sheriff’s Office Is Also Investigating An Early Morning Aggravated Robbery.

On June 8 at approximately 1:15 a.m., Smith County Deputies responded to a robbery that had just occurred at a 7-11 convenience store located in the 11400 block of Hwy. 64 West near Tyler. Upon their arrival to the location, Deputies were informed that a suspect entered the store armed with a handgun.

Take A Look At This Image From Surveillance Cameras

He pointed the handgun at both the employee and a customer. The suspect demanded the money from the cash register while informing both victims to lay on the floor. After receiving an undisclosed amount of money, the suspect fled the area in an unknown direction. Further investigation revealed that the suspect was a black male, 5’09” to 5’10”, wearing a blue hoodie, dark colored pants and a blue bandana over his face. He displayed what was described as a black semi-automatic pistol.

If you have any information concerning these cases please call the Smith County Sheriff’s Office at (903) 566-6600.