Texas authorities have identified the truck driver involved in Wednesday’s dramatic Houston SWAT team standoff on the I-10 East Freeway.
The incident began around 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, when an officer with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) spotted what they believed to be a stalled 18 wheeler along the East Freeway near Freeport, KHOU reports.
After the officer activated their lights to investigate whether the driver needed assistance, the 18 wheeler driver took off at a slow rate of speed, reportedly weaving in and out of lanes.
More law enforcement joined the police pursuit.
After spike strips were deployed, the truck finally came to a stop along the I-10 East Freeway at Sheldon.
The truck driver refused to exit the vehicle.
The Freeway was shut down as multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the truck with weapons drawn. A police helicopter landed on the closed roadway.
Around 3:30 p.m., the HCSO SWAT team used a piece of equipment called “The Rook” to tear into the cab of the truck. The truck driver remained in the driver’s seat, even as tear gas was deployed.
An attempt to use a canine unit to pull the truck driver out and end the standoff was not successful.
Eventually, SWAT team members entered the cab and pulled the truck driver out. The truck driver was taken from the scene in an ambulance and he was treated for injuries.
No police were injured.
The truck driver was later identified as Trinidad Cutshall, 42. Police say that he will be charged with felony evading.
HCSO said that they believe that Cutshall was impaired.
Police said that the truck’s trailer was empty and that no weapons were found in the vehicle.
Police are still investigating why Cutshall refused to exit the vehicle.