Hunt is on in Orangefield after reported assault

Debby Schamber
The Orange Leader

June 10, 2009 10:56 pm

— A manhunt was underway in Orangefield Wednesday morning after a man is believed to have assaulted his wife as she lay sleeping in bed.
At about 5:40 a.m. the Orange County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from 3234 Linscomb Road. The couple’s 17-year-old daughter reported her father had assaulted her mother.
Deputies responded to the scene and found the 43-year-old woman bleeding profusely from her head and face. The man reportedly beat her with his hands and fists. The name of the suspect cannot be released until a warrant is issued for his arrrest, according to Chad Hogan of the Orange County Sheriff’s office.
The woman advised deputies she had been assaulted by her husband. She was transported by ambulance to Baptist Hospital in Orange.
Following the alleged assault, the man who had borrowed a Ford F-250 to get to the scene attempted to leave the area. He reportedly lost control after going over the railroad tracks struck a house on South Terry Road.
The man then reportedly left the truck behind and ran into the woods to avoid being caught by law enforcement.
There were no reported injuries inside the house, although there were reports of a teenage girl inside sleeping when a TV fell on top of her. A woman also inside the residence was not injured, according to Hogan.
A search of the area was conducted but the suspect was not located.
Officers also set up a perimeter of the area to search for the suspect near Pipeline Road but could not find him.
The man is said to have violent tendencies with a possible history of family violence, Hogan said.
The woman was treated for her injuries at the Hospital and released. The case is currently under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division.
Anyone with information on this crime or any other felony crime is urged to call EasTex Crime Stoppers at 409-724-TIPS. They will remain anonymous and could earn a cash reward.

Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2603 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.