Lieutenant Andy Lowrie (left) glances back at the PolkCountyToday.com camera on Blue Water Road. The conditions in rural South Polk County resemble a steamy jungle. (Note: Mercury 4 door sedan as described vehicle description)
Man Who Shot at a Sheriff's Deputy Arrested in South Polk County, LIVINGSTON, July 25, 2011 - At approximately 9 pm on July 24, 2011, a call was placed to the Polk County Sheriff's Office regarding a possible disturbance. Polk County Reserve Deputy, Jay Burks, was sent to assist in the 2200 block of FM-2798. The complainant stated that they had received a call warning them that Paul Welch, 39,of Big Sandy, was coming to their residence to start trouble.
Burks pulled up in his vehicle (a county vehicle) and parked a short distance away to observe and wait to see if Welch was going to actually show up. After waiting for awhile (and Welch hadn't showed up), Burks drove up to the residence speak with the person who phoned in the complaint. Burks was standing on the front porch talking with the complainant and other family members when a vehicle stopped on the road in front of the house. The driver of the vehicle, Paul Welch, began shooting at the residence. Burks returned fire at the gunman, and the vehicle sped away. Burks called for backup and secured the scene and witnesses to Welch's actions. Fortunately, Burks nor anyone else were struck by the exchange of gunfire, however, Burks' vehicle was struck several times by gunfire from Welch.
Units from the Polk County Sheriff's Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety set up road blocks on roads in and out of the area in an attempt to locate Welch who was driving a light colored four door car. Law enforcement searched for Welch throughout the night in South Polk County but were not able to locate Welch.
The next morning, as the search continued, Lieutenant Andy Lowrie and Captain Rickie Childers (both with the Polk County Sheriff's Office), spotted a car that matched the description of Welch's vehicle. The vehicle was north-bound on Blue Water Road just a few miles south of FM-943. Lowrie and Childers initiated a stop and Welch came out of his vehicle with his hands in the air. Lieutenant Lowrie placed cuffs on Paul Welch and arrested Welch without incident. Welch was transported to Polk County Jail by Deputy David Ramsey and was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
Captain Rickie Childers (right) and Lieutenant Lowrie apprehended 39 year old Paul Welch on Blue Water road less than 24 hours after Welch shot at people with a gun.
Welch was turned over to Deputy David Ramsey to be transported to Polk County Jail.
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