Man who dragged DPS trooper during traffic stop identified, troopers say

SHENANDOAH, Texas – A Department of Public Safety trooper has been released from the Conroe Regional Hospital Thursday morning after being dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop in the Shenandoah area.

Authorities say the trooper pulled Russell Patrick Richards, 35, over on I-45 near State Highway 242 at about 10 p.m. Wednesday.

While stopped, Richards went to grab something from under his seat, but officers said when the trooper tried to stop him, Richards took off.

The trooper was dragged for a short distance and sustained minor injuries, troopers said.
The incident initiated a manhunt for Richards. 

After four hours, authorities were able to locate Richards and take him into custody.

Officers made the arrest in the parking lot of the Clarion Suites on I-45 near Vision Park Boulevard just after 2 a.m. Thursday.

Richards was charged with aggravated assault of a public servant and evading arrest and taken to the Montgomery County Jail.


About the Authors:

Reporter, family-oriented, sports fanatic, proud Houstonian.

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.