Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office releases details from manhunt that proved successful in capturing a fleeing suspect north of Cumby.
Press Release – for immediate release October 7, 2020
October 6, 2020 Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association had been conducting a joint investigation regarding theft of various farm related equipment. Hopkins County Sheriff’s received information about a suspicious vehicle in the area of Hopkins County Road 4732. Investigators knew this vehicle to be associated with persons of interest in this ongoing investigation.
Investigators involved with the investigation immediately responded to the area with the assistance of Deputies and Cumby Police Department. At approximately 11:03 AM Investigator M. Russell located the vehicle traveling along Hopkins County Road 4732. Investigator Russell attempted
to follow the vehicle until additional units could make it to his location. However, the driver of the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road and got out of the vehicle. Inv. Russell addressed the two occupants of the vehicle and began giving verbal orders. However, the duo failed to obey his commands and fled the location in a motor vehicle.
Investigator Russell gave chase along multiple Hopkins County Roads. The Fleeing vehicle stopped near the Intersection Hopkins County Road 4724 and Hopkins County Road 4725. At the time the vehicle stopped it was only occupied by one female which had been the passenger in the vehicle.
The male suspect had jumped from the vehicle while using the cover of dust from the rock road.
The male fled from the location running west. Person(s) involved in the incident confirmed the location, direction of travel, and the fact that he was unarmed. A man hunt started with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety, Special Ranger B. Fox (Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association), Cumby Police Department, Hunt County Sheriff’s Office, Commerce Police Department, Greenville Police Department K9, Hunt County PCT 1 Constable Terry Jones, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
During this process Investigators with the assistance of K9s, Helicopters, and other Confidential Sources were able to track Mr. Ford’s escape efforts. Mr. Ford continued west along creeks and heavily wooded areas away from populated areas. Mr. Ford had a phone in his possession and even spoke to Investigators via his phone while fleeing.
With all information coming it was apparent Joshua Terry Ford’s intent and travel path led him solely to creeks, heavily wooded areas, and away from any communities. Texas Department of Criminal Justice and their K-9s continued on a track from his last known location to his place of capture approximately 4.05 miles as a crow flies although the actual path utilizing creeks and away from houses the distance traveled by Mr. Ford and TDCJ personnel and K-9’s was much further. Mr. Ford was located in Hunt
County, Texas and taken into custody without incident while hiding in a tree.
Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank each agency that assisted in this incident. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is dedicated to the detection, arrest, and apprehension of all persons charged with a crime. Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office works closely with community members
including schools and has implemented a program known locally as “Joshua Alert” to notify schools if there had been any threat to their establishment or students.
If you have an emergency, dial 9-1-1
The Hopkins County Sheriff’s Office is located at 298 Rosemont Sulphur Springs, TX 75482. You can reach them for non-emergency matters at (903) 438-4040.
