Amarillo Police Car Chase Leads To Arrest And Recovery Of Stolen Vehicle

Around 5:30 this morning, Amarillo Police officers were involved in a car chase.  The chase started at 34th & Washington in Amarillo, and ended shortly when the suspect abandoned the vehicle in the alley of the 3600 block of S Tyler.  A short foot ensued, and the suspect was caught quickly.

Amarillo Police

"On Friday October 17^th at approximately 5:36am, APD officers attempted to stop a motor vehicle after observing it commit a traffic violation near 34^th and S Washington. As officers initiated their emergency equipment, the driver sped off, attempting to evade officers. After a short chase, the driver abandoned the vehicle in the alley of 3600 block of S Tyler and took off running on foot. The suspect was captured in the front yard at 3602 S Tyler and taken into custody."

The suspect was already in enough trouble at this point, but then after he was identified by officers, he was looking at a lot more due to several outstanding warrants.

Amarillo Police (continued)

"The suspect was identified as Joe David Hamrick W/M 34. Hamrick was found to be in possession of identifying information as well as being wanted on several outstanding felony warrants. Further investigation revealed the vehicle (2011 Hyundai Sonata) that Hamrick was driving was stolen in early September. Hamrick was arrested and booked into Randall County on the following charges, Parole Violation warrant w/ original charge of Burglary; Parole Violation warrant w/ original charge of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle; Bond Surrender warrant with original charges of Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle/Unlawfully carrying a Weapon/Evading Arrest/Detention with a Motor Vehicle; another Bond Surrender warrant with original charges of Theft of Property. Hamrick was also charged with the on-view charges of Evading Arrest/Detention w/ prior conviction, Unauthorized use of a Motor Vehicle, Fraudulent use/possession of Identifying Information less than 5 pieces, and Evading Arrest/Detention on foot."