MIKE CLORE

Sheriff
Milam County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 20, 2024

BELL CO PURSUIT ENDS IN MILAM CO, 1 SUBJECT IN CUSTODY

(CAMERON) A multi-city pursuit that began in Bell County came to an end in Milam County with a
subject in custody.

The Milam County Sheriff’s Office was notified shortly before 11PM Saturday, February 17th, that a
pursuit that originated in Bell County was entering Milam County. Temple Police Department had begun
the pursuit following a report of a kidnaping. As officers were responding, a male subject, later identified
by Police as 27-year-old Paul Rodriguez, fled with a female and a baby inside the car.

That pursuit went from Temple through Rogers and Buckholts and near the western city limits of
Cameron. The suspect vehicle was able to avoid multiple spike attempts on US190 and turned north on
Ben Milam Road near Cameron. At that point, the vehicle drove into a field and then a stock pond.

Rodriguez, who was the driver, then fled on foot while leaving the female and baby in the vehicle in the
pond. The 2 victims were rescued safely. Officers from Temple PD, the Milam County Sheriff’s Office,
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers, and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game wardens
converged on the area and began a search for the suspect. Milam County Special Investigations Division
Lieutenant John Helenberg deployed a Sheriff’s Office drone and used thermal imaging cameras to
locate the suspect running toward CR202. Rodriguez crossed 2 fences and approached an occupied
home in the area when deputies apprehended him as he tried to gain access to the house.

As he was being taken into custody, Rodriguez became unresponsive and had to be administered
multiple doses of Narcan before American Medical Response could arrive on scene. Rodriguez, who was
taken to the hospital for treatment, was booked into Bell County Jail on Monday, February 19th, after
being cleared from the hospital. It was later determined that he had multiple drugs in his system at the
time of his arrest. Temple PD has brought charges against Rodriguez for Kidnapping, Evading Arrest in a
Vehicle, and Child Endangerment.

Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore said, “Great cooperation between all agencies involved helped to
rescue 2 victims following a kidnapping and pursuit that began in a neighboring county. In addition,
Milam County was able to bring in a drone with thermal imaging cameras that greatly assisted in the
capture of the suspect involved. The drone is another tool in our toolbox that we can use to maintain
public safety.”

Sheriff’s Office • 512 N. Jefferson, Suite A • Cameron, TX 76520 • 254-697-7033 • Fax: 254-697-7037
Jail • 512 N. Jefferson, Suite B • Cameron, TX 76520 • 254-697-7063 • Fax: 254-697-7066
 MIKE CLORE
Sheriff
Milam County

Brett Eberhart
Public Information Officer
Milam County Sheriff’s Office
254-627-1740
PIO@milamcounty.net

Sheriff’s Office • 512 N. Jefferson, Suite A • Cameron, TX 76520 • 254-697-7033 • Fax: 254-697-7037
Jail • 512 N. Jefferson, Suite B • Cameron, TX 76520 • 254-697-7063 • Fax: 254-697-7066