Jeff Stearns
Aggravated Kidnapping
November 6, 2007
3:00 PM
The search for the third suspect in this investigation is being stopped at the location in Splendora, Texas. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and all the assisting agencies have not been able to locate the suspect in a wooded area of over 7000 acres. The suspect has been identified and a warrant for aggravated kidnapping is pending.
The 38 YOA victim from Jacinto City, Texas is recovering from injuries consistent with injuries from being duct taped and beaten. The two suspects in custody have been charged with aggravated kidnapping and are being booked into the Montgomery County Jail. The have been identified as:
Joe Lee Richardson W/M DOB 4-25-1965
Houston, Texas
Erik Dean MacHaffey W/M 2-2-81
Houston, Texas
The suspect that has not been captured has been identified as:
Jeffery Stearns W/M 4-25-68
Houston, Texas
Jeffery Stearns is a wanted felon for a felony DWI in Tyler County, Texas. Stearns is described as W/M 6′4″ and 300 pounds.
Area Patrols will be enhanced throughout the area of the manhunt into the night. Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1000 cash reward for information leading to an arrest or indictment of a felony crime. Call 800-392-STOP (7867). Anonymous tips can also be made through the Montgomery County Crime Stoppers Web Page at http://www.montgomerycountycrimestoppers.org
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November 6, 2007
12:45 PM
Montgomery County, Texas – November 6, 2007, This morning around 7:00 AM the Montgomery County Communications Office received a call from a citizen who told dispatchers that she had just picked-up a person on the side of the road that was bound with tape. The victim was reported to be injured and said the he had been held against his will by multiple suspects in the Harris County area. The caller drove to Splendora Jr. High School with the victim to meet emergency services and law enforcement.
Law enforcement authorities obtained a vehicle description from the victim and a general broadcast was made to surrounding law enforcement officers in an attempt to locate the suspects.
At approximately 7:10 AM Lt. D. Conn with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office located the suspect vehicle. While waiting on back-up Lt. Conn followed the vehicle providing detailed descriptions of the vehicle and its direction of travel. The suspect vehicle failed to stop for deputies and a vehicle pursuit ensued lasting from approximately 7:24 AM to 7:33 AM ending near the intersection of Creekwood and Charterwood.
Two people were immediately detained and one suspect ran into the woods and is at-large. A description of the suspect at-large is vague but is believed to be a W/M heavy set with a green shirt and blue jeans. At this time multiple agencies are involved in the investigation and search.
Information Source:
Lt. Dan Norris – Administrative Services / PIO
