Wanted Suspect Arrested After Conroe Police Use PIT Maneuver to End Pursuit

CONROE, Texas – A 26-year-old man wanted on felony warrants in two Texas counties was arrested Monday after leading Conroe police on a pursuit that ended when an officer used a PIT maneuver to stop his vehicle.

William Helm was taken into custody Oct. 5 on a new charge of evading in a motor vehicle, along with outstanding felony warrants for theft in Bell County and possession of a controlled substance in Montgomery County.

The pursuit began during the late morning hours after an officer with the Conroe Police Department’s Crime Reduction Unit spotted a black Toyota coupe at a gas station near Crockett Martin Road and Highline Boulevard.

Police said the officer recognized the vehicle as one known to be driven by a wanted suspect.

A short time later, the officer saw the Toyota turn from Crockett Martin Road onto Highline Boulevard. Using binoculars, the officer identified Helm as the driver and confirmed he had active felony warrants, according to police.

The officer attempted to stop the Toyota, but Helm accelerated and failed to pull over, prompting a pursuit.

Police said the officer continued the pursuit until identifying a location where it could be safely ended. The officer then performed a pursuit intervention technique, commonly known as a PIT maneuver, causing the Toyota to stop.

Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop. A Montgomery County Precinct 1 deputy constable who was nearby assisted Conroe police, and Helm was taken into custody without further incident.

Police did not disclose how long or how far the pursuit lasted, the speeds involved or whether either vehicle was damaged during the PIT maneuver. No injuries were reported in the information released by the department.