CAMERON, Milam County — A man at the center of a late-night pursuit on Saturday was booked into the Bell County Jail on Monday, according to Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore.
That evening, shortly before 11 p.m., Temple Police started pursuing a car that was reported to be involved in a kidnapping. The driver, who was later identified as 27-year-old Paul Rodriguez, had taken off with a woman and baby inside a car.
The pursuit spanned from Temple to Rogers and Buckholts, later turning into a foot pursuit near Cameron after Rodriguez abandoned the car from driving it through a field and into a stock pond with the female and baby inside the car.
The two that were left in the car were safely rescued.
While searching for Rodriguez, Milam County Special Investigations Division Lieutenant John Helenberg used a thermal imaging camera on a drone to find where he had run off to. Rodriguez was spotted running towards County Road 202 after jumping two fences, and was later captured by authorities.
As he was being taken into custody, Rodriguez had to be administered multiple doses of Narcan after going unresponsive due to drugs being in his body. He has since been cleared and released from the hospital and was taken to the Bell County Jail on Monday.
"Great cooperation between all agencies involved helped to rescue 2 victims following a kidnapping and pursuit that began in a neighboring county," said Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore. " 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."
According to Bell County Jail records, Rodriguez has been charged by Temple PD for Kidnapping, Evading Arrest in a Vehicle, and Child Endangerment. His bonds total $81,000.
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