Pair of Videos Show Dangers Faced by Polk County Law Enforcement...
The recent death of Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Trooper, Chad Walker, is a tragic reminder of the threats law enforcement officers face every day. Law enforcement officers in Polk County are not immune to these threats. Two recent encounters, captured on video, demonstrate those dangers. In one of the instances, an officer with the City of Livingston Police Department, as part of an investigation into a stolen vehicle, encountered defendants, Chaz Allen Lewis and Kasin Nicole Wilkerson, in a Walmart parking lot. The officer temporarily detained Lewis and placed him in handcuffs. The officer’s patrol car video shows that when the officer was distracted, Wilkerson, removed a handgun from Lewis’ pants pocket and threw it to the ground. A check of both defendants' criminal histories revealed that they each had been previously been convicted of felony offenses, which made their possession of a firearm a violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 922.
In a second instance, a Polk County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to a report of a man walking down a road with a gun. The deputy arrived at the location to find the defendant, Colt James Lambright, lying on the ground, just off the road clutching a rifle. The defendant refused the deputy’s commands and appeared to be disoriented. The deputy was eventually able to gain the defendant’s compliance, retrieving the rifle, but not before some very tense moments that included Lambright pointing the rifle in the direction of deputies. Lambright later admitted using methamphetamine. A check of Lambright’s criminal history revealed a previous felony conviction for engaging in organized criminal activity, which made his possession of a firearm a violation of Title 18 of the United States Code, Section 922. (video below)
All three defendants were subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. On March 26, 2021, Kasin Nicole Wilkerson was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. Chaz Allen Lewis pleaded guilty to the charged offense on December 8, 2020, but has yet to be sentenced. Lastly, on February 18, 2021, Colt James Lambright was sentenced to 5 months federal prison with 3 years of supervised release to follow. All three cases were prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Tommy L. Coleman. “Every officer deserves to return home to their family at the end of their shift,” stated Coleman. “Sadly, that was not the case for Trooper Walker and these two cases involving Polk County officers illustrate how, in an instant, situations have the potential to take a deadly turn,” Coleman said.
Last week DPS announced the death of a Highway Patrol Trooper following a shooting incident in Limestone County. Trooper Chad Walker, 38, was stopping to assist a driver near Mexia, Texas, around 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 26, when he was shot multiple times. Trooper Walker was transported to Baylor Scott & White – Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, where he later died from his injuries. “Our DPS family is absolutely heartbroken at the loss of one of our brothers in uniform who was killed in the line of duty,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Texas Highway Patrol Trooper Chad Walker was committed to protecting the people of Texas. His sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we ask that you keep his family, friends and colleagues in your prayers during the difficult days ahead.” Trooper Walker was a loving husband and father to four children. He is a second-generation peace officer. His career in law enforcement began in 2003 with the Groesbeck Police Department and continued as a member of the Athens Police Department, Henderson Co. Sheriff’s Office and Limestone Co. Sheriff’s Office. Trooper Walker joined DPS in 2015 and was stationed in Groesbeck. He is the 223rd DPS officer to die in the line of duty since 1823. In his final lifesaving act, Trooper Walker’s organs were donated to save others.
If you would like to comment on this story, we'd love to hear from you. Email us at pctletters@gmail.com. Be sure to include the story subject in the subject line of your email, also list your name and town in your letter. Your letter will be posted in Letters to the Editor.
