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Elisha McMahon
A Silsbee Police Department officer was in the “right place at the right time” after a pair of teenagers was attacked in a restaurant parking lot on Nov. 18, according to the department chief.
Silsbee Police Chief Shawn Blackwell said Officer William Tyler was on patrol when he observed a man assaulting a teenage male and juvenile female in the parking lot of McDonald’s at about 9 p.m. Blackwell said the suspect started attacking the teens while they were sitting in a vehicle.
“He assaulted the (male) driver and tried to grab the keys,” said Blackwell. “The (female) passenger grabbed the keys before the suspect could get them. He struck both the driver and the passenger.”
The chief said Tyler was patrolling the parking lot and heard the commotion from the assault.
“When the officer got out to approach the scene, the suspect fled on foot,” Blackwell said.
Tyler chased and arrested the suspect, identified as Elisha McMahon IV, 28, of Silsbee. Blackwell said McMahon was charged with aggravated assault to cause serious bodily injury (second-degree felony), evading arrest with a previous conviction (state jail felony), burglary of a vehicle and assault to cause bodily injury – both Class A misdemeanors. Justice of the Peace Melissa Minton set bail at $200,000 – $100,000 for the aggravated assault charge.
“McMahon was unknown to the teens,” added Blackwell, noting that the two victims had purchased food from drive-thru at McDonalds and opted to eat in the parking lot.
While the teens were eating, McMahon motioned for the driver to roll down the window. When the victim complied, McMahon began to violently attack the 17-year-old male driver, as well as striking the female juvenile passenger. Both occupants were injured during the attack. The teenage male was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Blackwell said Tyler, a three-year veteran, was vigilant, observant and he did his job.
“I would like to commend Officer Tyler for his vigilance and quick reaction. His attention to detail and surroundings may have saved a life Friday night,” said Blackwell.
At press time, McMahon was in custody in the Hardin County Jail.