A defendant's attempt to flee a Bowie County courtroom Monday was thwarted by a watchful bailiff and members of various law enforcement agencies who stopped to assist in the would-be fugitive's takedown outside the Bi-State Justice Building.
While Jeremy Stuehrenberg returned to court wearing a pair of locking metal bracelets, the rest of his post-arrest attire clearly violated the court's dress code. By the time he was escorted back into 202nd District Judge John Tidwell's court by Officer Heath Littlejohn, defendant Stuehrenberg was shirtless, shoeless and his pants were around his ankles, according to witnesses.
Stuehrenberg, 41, bolted from the first-floor courtroom after learning from Tidwell that he was about to be taken into custody for failing a routine drug test. Stuehrenberg was in court for a pretrial hearing on a charge of evading arrest in a vehicle.
As Stuehrenberg dashed from the courtroom, knocking down a stationary metal detector, Littlejohn gave chase and was able to tackle the fleeing defendant outside a side entrance of the Bi-State. As Littlejohn and Stuehrenberg - both men of considerable physical stature-struggled on the steps of the Bi-State, passing members of law enforcement stopped to assist.
Littlejohn said a female member of the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department stopped her cruiser, jumped out and joined the fray. A member of the Bowie County Sheriff's Office and a Bowie County probation officer came to Littlejohn's aid as well. In the chaos, Stuehrenberg removed his shirt as he attempted to free himself from the officers' grasps, then his shoes left his feet and his pants became wadded around his ankles.
"When he came back, he was in his boxer shorts," a courtroom audience member said.
Tidwell said the incident affirmed his faith in his staff, area law enforcement and the need for the court to remain vigilant.
"Yesterday exemplified the dedication of my bailiff, Heath Littlejohn, to maintain order and protect those in my courtroom. Others, including Winfred Fulce with Bowie County Adult Probation as well as law enforcement outside the Bi-State jumped into action to apprehend the defendant and protect the public," Tidwell said.
"It is disturbing that some individuals appear in court under the influence of drugs and jeopardize the safety of others. As a consequence, additional security measures as well as increasing our drug testing efforts of those appearing in court will be taken to protect the employees and citizens of this county."
Littlejohn suffered minor injuries to his hand as he wrestled Stuehrenberg to the ground and the concrete on which the men landed shredded the knees of his slacks. Littlejohn was back in court after lunch Monday in a fresh pair of trousers to provide security for Tidwell's afternoon docket.
Stuehrenberg was in court this week in connection with an Aug. 1, 2017, arrest for allegedly running from Texarkana, Texas, police. Officers pulled over a black, older model Ford Mustang for a minor traffic violation shortly after 1 a.m. as it traveled west on South Lake Drive, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account.
The Mustang turned onto Liberty Lane and slowly stopped. Texarkana, Texas, Police Officer Dewey Fleming allegedly had to shine his light into and tap on the window to get the driver to roll down the glass. Fleming's partner, Officer Austin Butts, approached the passenger side, prompting Fleming to ask for that window to be rolled down as well.
"He hesitated for a brief moment before looking away from me and saying, 'No,' and speeding off," the affidavit states.
With officers in pursuit, the Mustang, allegedly driven by Stuehrenberg, continued for several blocks before turning south onto Buchanan Road where it drove at speeds between 55 and 75 miles per hour. After turning east onto Baroid Road, the Mustang appeared to begin suffering engine trouble as it traveled at lower speeds for about a quarter-mile. As the car approached railroad tracks, the driver bailed out, leaving the waning Mustang in drive.
Stuehrenberg allegedly ran about 40 yards before tripping and falling to the ground.
"I (Fleming) fell on top of Stuehrenberg and wrapped him up," the affidavit states. "After a brief struggle he was placed under arrest."
Stuehrenberg is being held in the Bowie County jail. At the time of his alleged escape attempt and arrest Monday, he was free on a $25,000 bond. If convicted of evading in a vehicle, Stuehrenberg faces two to 10 years in prison. Stuehrenberg could face additional charges in connection with his conduct Monday.