Colorado County Chief Deputy Troy Neisner released a statement about a pursuit on March 28 that led to child endangerment and other charges stemming from a theft(s) from local businesses.
The Columbus Police Department responded to a theft at Potter's Western Store in Columbus on March 28 at about 5:30 p.m.
On arrival, the Columbus Police broadcasted a suspect vehicle description and Colorado County Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate the vehicle on Hwy 90 near Radio Lane traveling west.
An attempt to stop the vehicle resulted in a pursuit that went through the cities of Weimar, Schulenburg, and eventually ended in the City of Flatonia after the successful deployment of spikes by the Flatonia Police Department. The driver and two other adult occupants were taken into custody. It was unknown at the time of the pursuit that an unrestrained child was in the vehicle.
The stolen property from Potter's Western Store was recovered, along with the discovery of a pair of boots recently stolen from the Tractor Supply Company in Alleyton. The property was returned to both businesses. It was also determined that the same group of individuals had recently walked out of Blake’s without paying for their meal.
After further investigation, the driver, Heath Allen Dorris, 39, of Livingston, was arrested for Evading Arrest or Detention w/ Vehicle, Third Degree Felony, Abandoning or Endangering a Child, State Jail Felony, Theft of Property with Previous Convictions, State Jail Felony and outstanding warrants issued in Chambers County for Continuous Family Violence, and Family Violence Assault Impeding Breath/Circulation.
Additionally, two of the passengers, Marlene Kaye Mitcham, 35, of Waller, were arrested for outstanding warrants issued in Brazos County for Assault on EMS Personnel, and Criminal Mischief, $2,500 to $30K; and Gigit Nicole Fregia, 38, of Saratoga, was arrested for outstanding warrants issued in Liberty County for Possession of Controlled Substance, Driving While License Invalid, and Violate Promise to Appear. The Columbus Police Department also charged Fregia in connection with the Theft of property from Potter’s Western Store.
The child was later released to the grandmother and Children's Protective Services was notified of the incident.
The Colorado County Sher- iff's Office was assisted in the pursuit by the Weimar Police Department, Schulenburg Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff's Office, Flatonia Police Department, and Fayette County EMS.
The Colorado County Sher- iff's Office and the Columbus Police Department are conducting a joint investigation into the criminal activity involving these individuals, which occurred both inside the city and out in the county.
