High-speed chase in Louisiana ends with arrest of 2 teens

Suspects fled stolen car, ran into woods before being apprehended

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:53pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car side mirror, reflecting a faint light in the darkness, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a high-speed pursuit.A shattered car mirror reflects the harsh reality of a high-speed chase, raising concerns about public safety and the security of military personnel's property.Austin Today

Two suspects, 19-year-old Tracy Leon Billingsley from Austin, Texas, and 18-year-old Braden Douglas Crabb from Terre Haute, Indiana, were arrested in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana after a brief high-speed vehicle chase. The suspects were found to be in possession of a stolen car belonging to an Army service member in Texas.

Why it matters

Vehicle thefts and high-speed chases pose serious risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the importance of law enforcement's quick response in resolving such situations efficiently and safely.

The details

On April 13, 2026, at around 7:10 p.m., the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office received a report of a stolen vehicle entering the area near the Louisiana/Texas state line. Deputy Jerek Lewis located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield and accelerated to speeds exceeding 110 mph. During the pursuit, the occupants were seen allegedly discarding an unknown item through the window. Corporal Larry McCloskey deployed spike strips, forcing the vehicle to stop, and the two suspects fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. Deputies, using a drone and a K-9 unit, were able to locate and arrest the suspects without further incident.

  • On April 13, 2026, at approximately 7:10 p.m., the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office received the report of the stolen vehicle.
  • At around 7:19 p.m., Corporal Larry McCloskey deployed spike strips, forcing the vehicle to stop.

The players

Tracy Leon Billingsley

A 19-year-old from Austin, Texas who was arrested in connection with the stolen vehicle and high-speed chase.

Braden Douglas Crabb

An 18-year-old from Terre Haute, Indiana who was arrested in connection with the stolen vehicle and high-speed chase.

Jerek Lewis

A patrol deputy with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office who located the stolen vehicle and initiated the traffic stop.

Larry McCloskey

A corporal with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office who deployed spike strips to stop the fleeing vehicle.

Kelby Pearah

A sergeant with the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office who led the K-9 unit that helped locate and apprehend the suspects.

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What they’re saying

“Sheriff Jayson Richardson praised the efforts of all deputies and dispatchers involved, highlighting their quick response in resolving the situation safely and efficiently.”

— Jayson Richardson, Sheriff

What’s next

The suspects, Tracy Leon Billingsley and Braden Douglas Crabb, face multiple charges, including Aggravated Flight from an Officer, Illegal Possession of Stolen Things, and Resisting an Officer by Flight. They will appear before a judge in the coming days.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the importance of law enforcement's vigilance and quick response in addressing vehicle thefts and high-speed chases, which can pose significant risks to public safety. The successful apprehension of the suspects without further incident highlights the professionalism and coordination of the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office.