Hess Lawn Mower Header
Sandlin Header 2022
ETB Advertising Banner Header Terrie 1
Better View Tree Trimming Header Ad
Hess Gravely Sales Event Header
ETB Advertising Banner Header Terrie 2
Cypress Basin Hospice 2023 Header

Hopkins County Manhunt Leads To Arrest

Joshua Terry Ford
Hopkins County Jail

Press Release From Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office

October 6, 2020, Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association conducted a joint investigation regarding various farm-related equipment theft. Hopkins County Sheriff’s received information about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Hopkins County Road 4732. Investigators knew this vehicle to be associated with persons of interest in this ongoing investigation.

Investigators involved with the investigation immediately responded to the area with the assistance of Deputies and Cumby Police Department. At approximately 11:03 am, Investigator M. Russell located the vehicle traveling along Hopkins County Road 4732. Investigator Russell attempted to follow until additional units could make it to his location. However, the vehicle driver stopped in the middle of the road and got out of the vehicle. Officer Russell addressed the two occupants and began giving verbal orders. However, the duo failed to obey his commands and fled the location in a motor vehicle.

Investigator Russell gave chase along multiple Hopkins County Roads. The Fleeing vehicle stopped near the Intersection Hopkins County Road 4724 and Hopkins County Road 4725. When they stopped, only one female occupied the vehicle’s passenger. The male suspect had jumped while using the cover of dust from the rock road.

The male fled from the location, running west. The person involved in the incident confirmed the location, direction of travel, and the fact that he was unarmed. A search started with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Special Ranger B. Fox, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Cumby Police Department, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, Commerce Police Department, Greenville Police Department K9, Hunt County PCT 1 Constable Terry Jones, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

During this process, Investigators, with the assistance of K9s, Helicopters, and other Confidential Sources, were able to track Mr. Ford’s escape efforts. Mr. Ford continued west along creeks and heavily wooded areas away from populated areas. Mr. Ford had a phone in his possession and even spoke to Investigators via his phone while fleeing.

With all information coming, it was apparent Joshua Terry Ford’s intent and travel path led him solely to creeks, heavily wooded areas, and away from any communities. Texas Department of Criminal Justice and their K-9s continued on a track from his last known location to his place of capture approximately 4.05 miles as the crow flies. However, the actual path utilizing creeks and away from houses the distance traveled by Mr. Ford and TDCJ personnel and K-9’s was much further. Mr. Ford was located in Hunt County and taken into custody without incident while hiding in a tree.

Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank each agency that assisted in this incident. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office dedicates itself to the detection, arrest, and apprehension of all persons charged with a crime. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office works closely with community members, including schools. It has implemented a program known locally as “Joshua Alert” to notify schools if there had been any threat to their establishment or students.