Port Lavaca Police Chief gives update on motorcycle pursuit and collision

Following a police pursuit of a motorcycle and subsequent collision that occurred on Monday, Oct. 7, Port Lavaca Police Chief Colin Rangnow has released more information about the suspect and his current status.

The motorcyclist was identified by Rangnow as Jhonathan Craig Smith Jr., 20, and was reported to have ignored an attempted stop by a Port Lavaca Police Department (PLPD) officer for driving with expired registration at approximately 11:43 a.m. Rangnow also stated that Smith was a fugitive from justice for weapon charges out of Colorado.

“Smith disregarded the patrol unit’s lights and siren, and a pursuit was initiated. Smith was pursued within the city limits, including lighthouse beach park. The pursuit ended when Smith disregarded a red light at the intersection of Highway 35 and Half League and collided into a passenger vehicle,” Rangnow said.

The pursuit ended when Smith, disregarding a red light at the intersection of Highway 35 and Half League Road, collided into a passenger vehicle which subsequently ejected him from his motorcycle, according to Rangnow. Smith was transported to Citizens Medical Center by Calhoun County EMS and then later life-flighted to a medical center in San Antonio, where he is currently on life support. The occupants of the passenger vehicle, as well as an additional vehicle involved, were transported to Memorial Medical Center for evaluation by Calhoun County EMS.

“The PLPD requested assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety to work the crash investigation,” Rangnow said. 

The collision is still under ongoing investigation.