Walker County, Texas Breaking News: Severe Weather Warnings, School Closures & Live Updates

HUNTSVILLE, Texas – A high-speed pursuit up Interstate 45 brought Walker County, Texas, into the national spotlight Monday evening as deputies and state troopers captured two of the 10 men who broke out of New Orleans’ Orleans Parish Justice Center earlier this month. Leo Tate, 29, and Jermaine Donald, 27, were spotted in a stolen gray Dodge Charger near Exit 116 around 6:30 p.m. According to the Walker County Sheriff’s Office, the pair refused to stop, weaving through rush-hour traffic at speeds topping 100 mph before troopers executed a precision intervention technique just south of the FM 1374 overpass. Both suspects fled on foot but were apprehended within minutes in a wooded area behind a nearby gas station. Authorities recovered two handguns, counterfeit Louisiana plates and multiple cell phones from the vehicle. Tate now faces Texas charges of felony evading arrest in addition to outstanding warrants for aggravated escape and obstruction of justice. Donald is being held on warrants for second-degree murder, escape and resisting an officer. The men are expected to be extradited after answering to local charges in the Walker County Jail. WHO IS STILL AT LARGE As of Tuesday morning, Louisiana officials confirmed that Antoine Massey and Derrick Groves remain on the run. Walker County residents are urged to report any suspicious activity by calling 936-435-2400. Extra patrols will continue along I-45, SH 75 and rural cut-throughs such as FM 980 and FM 1791 until the final fugitives are caught. COMMUNITY IMPACT & SAFETY TIPS • Keep vehicles locked and remove valuables. • Secure outbuildings, deer cabins and hunting leases. • Review security-camera footage daily and share relevant clips with investigators. • Sign up for emergency text alerts through Walker County’s CodeRED system. BAT WORKSHOP STILL ON Despite the manhunt, Saturday’s free “Living Near Bats” community workshop at the Walker County Storm Shelter (455 TX-75 N.) will proceed as scheduled from 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Hosted by Bat Conservation International, Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the event features kid-friendly activities, trivia prizes and continuing-education credits for animal-control and peace officers. Organizers say additional law-enforcement presence will ensure attendee safety. WHY WALKER COUNTY MATTERS Nestled in the heart of the Piney Woods between Houston and Dallas, Walker County is home to Sam Houston State University, the Texas Prison Museum and one of the state’s largest Mexican free-tailed bat maternity colonies. The county’s central location along I-45 often makes it a crossroads for statewide law-enforcement operations—something underscored by this week’s dramatic capture. WHAT’S NEXT • Extradition hearings for Tate and Donald are expected later this week in the 278th District Court. • Louisiana authorities have increased the reward to $15,000 per remaining escapee. • Walker County commissioners will receive a public safety briefing at their June 3 meeting. Residents can follow real-time updates on the Walker County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page and local outlets such as KBTX, KHOU-11 and the Huntsville Item.