Familiar felons crash car evading officers

After being recognized by Port Arthur Police Department (PAPD) officers during a traffic stop, two men briefly avoided arrest Nov. 29 until they crashed their car and attempted to flee on foot, according to a Dec. 2 news release.

Port Arthur Narcotics and Guns Unit conducted a traffic stop in the 1300 block of Augusta Avenue. Officers recognized the front seat passenger, identified as Anthony J. Jones, a 24-year-old Port Arthur resident. According to the release, “It was known that Jones had outstanding county warrants for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and a motion to revoke probation for aggravated assault.”

Officers also recognized the driver and identified him as Aaron R. Augustine, a 28-year-old Port Arthur resident. Augustine refused to stop and, in his effort to evade officers, crashed within a few blocks of the traffic stop.

At this time, both the driver and passenger quickly exited the vehicle and fled on foot.  Several officers responded to the area and, after a brief foot chase, both suspects were located and arrested.

A search of the vehicle revealed two handguns and crack cocaine, according to the release. Jones was arrested for the aforementioned warrants, as well as a new charge of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Augustine was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, evading arrest/detention with a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled substance. Both Jones and Augustine were transported to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility.