After the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department chased a stolen truck pulling a stolen welder to a stop on Campbell Road, just outside Italy. Three male suspects fled on foot after abandoning the vehicle owned by Italy Resident, Macky Graves. The Italy Police Department joined the search as Police units raced down Derrs Chappell Road and down Hwy. 34 beyond the Italy Exxon.

Italy emergency responders, including Fire Chief Donald Chambers, arrived along with extra DPS troopers. A perimeter was set up while other officers charged into the Italy countryside on foot.

The foot search, which began around 1:15 p.m. on Thursday, called for searchers to traverse over treacherous creeks and around thick brush. Using “mules” (all-terrain vehicles) and a search dog provided by the Milford Police Department, the race was on.

An alert was also called into the Italy Exxon to be on the lookout for suspicious individuals. Moments later, the Sheriff’s Department responded to the Italy Exxon to investigate a group of men fitting the description but the 4 males were cleared, and the search continued.

A very warm day with a high of 79º and a RealFeel® of 83º, a light breeze at 6 mph made the search somewhat bearable. However, After an hour, with emergency personnel feeling winded, a search helicopter left Midway Regional Airport out of Midlothian to assist. However, the helicopter was quickly re-routed back to base as the 3 male suspects were finally in custody after hiding in a pond.

Italy residents can rest easy knowing the suspects have been apprehended thanks to the dedicated men and women from the Italy Police Department, Italy Fire and Rescue, DPS troopers and the Milford Police Department. Also, a special thanks to Midway Regional Airport for their efforts as well.