Johnson County, Texas – A high-speed police chase spanning Johnson and Tarrant counties ended with a Johnson County sheriff’s deputy sustaining serious injuries and the capture of a wanted man, authorities reported late Saturday night, October 4, 2025.
Pursuit Begins Over Felony Warrants
The incident started around 9:00 p.m. after deputies received a tip from a bondsman that Christopher Roth, wanted on felony warrants for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Johnson County and evading arrest in Dallas County, was at a residence in Johnson County.
At 9:27 p.m., Deputy Cortez attempted a traffic stop on Roth’s vehicle for an inoperable license plate light. Roth drove off, initiating a pursuit that crossed into Tarrant County.
Deputy Injured in Fiery Crash
During the chase, at 9:34 p.m., Deputy Bribiesca, serving as a secondary unit, lost control of his patrol vehicle on Retta Road near Berry Road, crashing into a tree at high speed. The vehicle immediately caught fire, and Deputy Bribiesca briefly lost consciousness.
He was rescued thanks to the quick response of Deputy Fetterolf and Corporal White, who pulled him from the burning vehicle and began rendering aid. A nearby resident also assisted, extinguishing the flames with a fire extinguisher.
Deputy Bribiesca was taken to a Fort Worth hospital, where he underwent surgery for a broken arm. He has since been released and is expected to make a full recovery.
Suspect Apprehended
Meanwhile, Deputy Cortez continued pursuing Roth, who eventually crashed into dense vegetation and fled on foot. Roth was apprehended with assistance from the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Mansfield Police Department.
Roth, who sustained minor injuries, was medically cleared and booked into Johnson County Jail on his original felony warrants, along with a new charge of evading arrest/detention with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury.
Sheriff’s Office Praises Heroes
Leadership from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office commended the “quick and heroic actions” of Deputies Fetterolf and Corporal White for saving Deputy Bribiesca. The office also expressed gratitude to the citizen who helped extinguish the fire.
Call to Action
High-speed pursuits can be extremely dangerous for law enforcement and the public. Residents are urged to report suspicious or fleeing vehicles immediately to local authorities and always prioritize safety during emergencies.
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