NW Austin truck theft suspect arrested

AUSTIN (KXAN) - A man suspected of stealing a a wrecker in Northwest Austin early Wednesday was arrested two hours later -- only after reportedly driving through a fence as police pursued him in the air and on the ground.

The incident started around 6 a.m. Wednesday near 2900 West Howard Lane.

Travis County Sheriff's spokesman Roger said the man first tried to steal a car but took off in a wrecker instead. In a news release sent late in the afternoon, Wade said a deputy attempted to approach the wrecker when it stopped in the 12400 block of Research Boulevard, but the driver attempted to back up into him.

The deputy fired at the truck's tires, Wade said. The bullet hit the truck, which then rammed through a privacy fence and hit a tree.

The suspect was identified as Jeramie Russell Feyock, 35. He is charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state jail felony, and evading arrest with a motor vehicle, a third-degree felony.

The deputy was placed on administrative leave while the matter is investigated, which is routine. He was not injured in the chase.

Austin police helped with in the search, and helicopters and K-9 units scoured the area as well.