Two suspects are in custody following a high-speed chase early Sunday morning that caused an injury to an Ector County deputy.
Deputy Cody Smith initially attempted to stop a 2011 blue Hyundai for speeding around 12:53 a.m., an Ector County Sheriff’s Office news release stated. The vehicle immediately sped away, leading law enforcement on a chase from 57th Street and Dixie Boulevard and ended near West Loop 338 and Wireline Road after two of the vehicle’s tires were shot out.
During the chase, the suspect’s vehicle intentionally collided into two ECSO patrol units while trying to evade, causing Smith to suffer a broken hand, the release detailed. Smith was later treated and released from Medical Center Hospital.
The driver was identified as 26-year-old Steven Saenz and the passenger was 17-year-old Sueellen Montoya, the release stated, who were both arrested and taken to MCH for minor injuries before being booked into the Ector County Detention Center.
Quantities of meth, heroin and a revolver were found inside the vehicle, the release detailed.
Saenz was also wanted for the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after he reportedly shot a 19-year-old man on March 1 at Arbor Oaks Apartments, 1000 E. Monahans St.
Saenz was charged Sunday for the assault, in addition to two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, evading arrest with a vehicle, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and unauthorized use of a vehicle.
Montoya was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance.
Jail records show Montoya has two bonds totaling $40,000. No bonds have been set for Saenz.
