Rusk Man Suspected of DWI Leads High-Speed Chase in Tyler

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A 25-year-old man from Rusk, Texas has been arrested after leading Smith County Sheriff's deputies on a high-speed car chase through Tyler in the early hours of Sunday morning. The suspect, identified as Jose Juan Barboza, allegedly failed to stop when a deputy tried to pull him over for suspected drunk driving and instead fled at speeds up to 100 mph, running red lights before finally stopping and attempting to flee on foot.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases pose a serious risk to public safety, and this incident highlights the dangers of drunk driving and the need for law enforcement to quickly apprehend suspects to protect the community. The case will likely raise questions about the department's pursuit policies and the suspect's criminal history.

The details

Around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, a Smith County Sheriff's deputy attempted to pull over a white pickup truck driven by Jose Juan Barboza that was traveling northbound on Broadway Avenue near Loop 49 in Tyler. Barboza failed to stop and instead led deputies on a chase reaching speeds up to 100 mph, running red lights along the way. He eventually stopped his vehicle near the intersection of North Broadway Avenue and Queen Street, but then attempted to flee on foot before being quickly apprehended by deputies without further incident.

• The incident occurred around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 6, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Barboza will face charges of driving while intoxicated and evading arrest. The Smith County Sheriff's Office will review its pursuit policies to ensure they balance public safety with the need to apprehend suspects.