Armed Suspect Apprehended After Pursuit and Assault on K-9 in Ector County
On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, at approximately 3:45 a.m., a collaborative operation between the Ector County Sheriff’s Office (ECSO) K-9 Team, Ector County Deputies, UTPB Police Department, and Odessa Police Department led to the capture of a violent, armed suspect following a pursuit.
The incident began after ECSO deputies monitoring Odessa Police Department radio traffic were alerted to reports of shots fired at the Eastside Walmart. A University of Texas Permian Basin (UTPB) officer, who heard the gunfire from campus, responded and provided key details about the suspect and their vehicle.
An ECSO K-9 Deputy, with assistance from other deputies, located the suspect’s vehicle near North West County Road and Yukon. When deputies attempted a traffic stop in the 4900 block of County Road West, the suspect fled, prompting a pursuit.
The chase ended in the 11300 block of W. Rolling Hills, where the suspect refused to comply with commands. ECSO K-9 Yvan was deployed, successfully subduing the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Marcus O’Neal Thomas, resisted arrest and assaulted K-9 Yvan, striking the dog multiple times in the face and slamming his head in a door. Fortunately, K-9 Yvan was unharmed due to his training and resilience.
Thomas was treated for a dog bite at Medical Center Hospital (MCH) before being transported to the Ector County Law Enforcement Center. He faces multiple charges, including:
- Three counts of Deadly Conduct with a Firearm
- Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle
- Interference with a Police Service Animal
- Criminal Mischief
No deputies or officers were injured during the incident.
Authorities commend the teamwork between the ECSO, UTPB Police Department, and Odessa Police Department in ensuring the safety of the community during the high-risk operation.
