Man a fugitive after skipping out on his trial

Dariel Greenwood
Dariel Greenwood

NEW BOSTON, Texas - A man who failed to show for his own jury trial this week in Bowie County is now a wanted fugitive.

Dariel Deshaun Greenwood, 31, was scheduled for jury selection Tuesday on a charge of possession of a firearm by a felon but did not report to the Bowie County courthouse in New Boston as ordered. Assistant District Attorney Katie Carter said a warrant has been issued for Greenwood's arrest for failure to appear and that he is likely to face additional charges upon arrest.

Carter said Greenwood may have fled to the state of Tennessee where he appears to have ties and has a history of criminal conduct.

Greenwood was arrested on the charge Nov. 11, 2018, by Texarkana, Texas, police conducting patrols in the Beverly Heights neighborhood, according to a probable cause affidavit. Greenwood was a passenger in a Honda Accord which was parked in front of a no parking sign on Waterman Street in Texarkana, Texas.

An officer noticed the odor of marijuana and had Greenwood and the driver, a woman, exit the Honda. Greenwood was not in possession of any illicit drugs though he was carrying a large amount of currency.

"Greenwood advised me that he was a rapper and that's how he earned his money," the affidavit states.

Officers noticed a handgun lying on the grass near a mailbox where the car had been parked when officers first noticed it. While it was a cool night, 40 to 42 degrees, the loaded pistol was warm.

When officers reviewed dash cam video, they noticed that the passenger door of the Honda had been opened slightly and then closed gently before police made contact with Greenwood and the driver. Greenwood allegedly denied the gun was his and claimed he had tossed out a cigarette. Officers were unable to find a cigarette butt.

Officers determined Greenwood has a prior felony conviction for drug possession stemming from an arrest in Shelby, Tennessee, and that he had an outstanding warrant for theft in Miller County, Arkansas.

If convicted of being a felon in possession of a handgun Greenwood faces two to 10 years in prison. If charged with felony failure to appear, Greenwood could face additional time.

Anyone with information concerning Greenwood's whereabouts is urged to contact law enforcement or Crimestoppers at 903-793-STOP.

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