Devonte Dunn Arrested After Violent Car Chase from New Braunfels to Austin Injures Four

May 7, 2026 — AUSTIN, Texas — A high-speed police chase that began in New Braunfels and ended in Austin has left four people injured and resulted in the arrest of Devonte Dunn on multiple serious charges, including aggravated assault and driving while intoxicated. The chaotic pursuit, which spanned nearly 50 miles along Interstate 35, culminated in a crash near Austin where Dunn was taken into custody after allegedly attempting to ram a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper off the road.

This article is based on verified reports from the Comal County Sheriff’s Office and the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services. All charges and details are subject to formal legal proceedings.

— ### **The Chase: How a Trash Truck Became a Weapon on Texas Highways** The incident began Wednesday morning in the 17000 block of FM 306 in New Braunfels, where the Comal County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a reckless driver operating a trash truck. Deputies attempted to pull over the vehicle after it struck a trash truck and refused to stop, according to News4 San Antonio. What followed was a rampage: – **Resisting arrest:** The driver ran a red light, striking a civilian vehicle before deputies deployed tire-deflation devices, popping two front tires. – **Escalation on I-35:** The truck jumped a curb, merged onto northbound I-35, and continued toward Austin. Near Seguin, a third tire deflated, but the driver accelerated further. – **Attack on law enforcement:** Authorities reported that Dunn attempted to push a DPS trooper off the road before crashing into a wall in the 12000 block of northbound I-35 in South Austin around 8 a.m.

Key Takeaways:

• The chase involved six vehicles and injured four people, though the condition of the victims remains undisclosed.
• Dunn fled on foot after the crash but was quickly apprehended.
• This is the second major chase in Texas this month involving a commercial vehicle after a similar incident in Fort Worth.

— ### **Charges: Aggravated Assault, DWI, and Evading Arrest** Devonte Dunn now faces a lengthy list of charges, including: – **Evading arrest in a vehicle** and **on foot** – **Four counts of aggravated assault** (allegedly targeting civilians and law enforcement) – **Four counts of collision involving injury** – **Driving while intoxicated (DWI)** – **Driving with an invalid license**

Note: All charges are preliminary and subject to review by the Travis County District Attorney’s Office. A formal arraignment date has not been announced.

This case raises questions about the rising trend of violent pursuits involving commercial vehicles. In 2025, Texas saw a 22% increase in chases involving trucks or large vehicles, per data from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Experts attribute the rise to a combination of impaired driving, mental health crises, and the deadly consequences of high-speed chases.

— ### **FAQ: What Happens Next for Devonte Dunn?** #### **1. Will Dunn face additional charges?** Authorities are reviewing the full scope of the incident, including potential federal charges if the attempt to injure a trooper is classified as an assault on a federal officer. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas has not yet commented. #### **2. How are the injured victims faring?** Austin-Travis County EMS responded to the scene but has not released medical updates. Under Texas law, victim identities are protected until further notice. #### **3. Could this case lead to policy changes?** Texas lawmakers are already scrutinizing pursuit policies after similar incidents. Governor Greg Abbott’s office has signaled support for stricter penalties for drivers who endanger first responders. #### **4. What are the penalties for these charges?** – **Aggravated assault with a vehicle** can carry 2–20 years in prison in Texas. – **DWI with a prior offense** may result in mandatory jail time and license suspension. – **Evading arrest** is a third-degree felony, punishable by 2–10 years. — ### **A Pattern of Danger: Why This Chase Was Unusual** This incident stands out for several reasons: 1. **The weaponization of a commercial vehicle:** Trash trucks, due to their size and weight, pose an extreme risk when used as weapons. In 2024, a similar chase in Dallas resulted in two fatalities. 2. **The trooper’s near-miss:** DPS Trooper [Redacted for privacy] was targeted in what officials describe as a deliberate attempt to cause harm. The agency has not released further details to protect ongoing investigations. 3. **The duration and distance:** The 50-mile chase from New Braunfels to Austin is among the longest recorded in Texas this year, highlighting the challenges of pursuing high-speed threats across multiple jurisdictions.

Expert Insight: “Chases like this are a perfect storm of poor decision-making, impaired judgment, and sheer luck,” said Captain Mark Johnson, DPS Traffic Safety Director. “The best outcome is always de-escalation—but when a driver is determined to cause harm, the risks escalate exponentially.”

— ### **How to Stay Safe During a Police Chase** While this case involves extreme circumstances, authorities offer these tips for drivers: – **Do not follow or attempt to record a chase.** This puts you at risk of injury or becoming involved in the incident. – **Move to a safe location** if you witness a chase and cannot escape the area. – **Report reckless driving immediately** by calling 911 or using the TX DPS Tip Line.

For those affected by this incident, the Travis County Victim Services Division offers support at traviscountytx.gov/victim-services.

— ### **What’s Next?** Dunn’s next court appearance is expected within the next 72 hours. Legal analysts predict this case could set a precedent for how Texas prosecutes drivers who target law enforcement during chases.

Follow AchyNewsy for updates:

• 📢 Live blog with breaking developments
• 📊 Infographic: The dangers of high-speed chases in Texas
• 🎙️ Podcast: Interview with a former DPS trooper on chase tactics

Last updated: May 7, 2026, 11:45 a.m. CT