Traffic stop leads to felony drug arrest

A routine traffic stop Friday night escalated into a foot pursuit, taser deployment and felony drug arrest at a local convenience store in Shiner, according to Shiner Police Department officials.

At approximately 10:06 p.m., Sgt Chris Kalina pulled over a 2001 Buick sedan for defective equipment. The vehicle stopped at the Circle K convenience store and parked next to the gas pumps.

The driver, identified as 46-year-old Jamie Lee Harper of Yoakum, initially complied. However, as Sgt. Kalina was running his information, Harper allegedly exited the vehicle and began walking toward the store, ignoring repeated commands to return to his car. Harper then ran into the Circle K, prompting Sgt. Kalina to give chase.

During the pursuit inside the store, Sgt. Kalina observed Harper digging into his pockets and, fearing he may be reaching for a weapon, deployed his taser after issuing multiple warnings. The taser incapacitated Harper, causing him to fall and drop what was later identified as suspected narcotics.

A brief struggle ensued before Harper was taken into custody , with the assistance of a customer inside the store. While being escorted through the store, Harper allegedly stomped on the suspected narcotics in an attempt to destroy the evidence, scattering the substances across the floor. Circle K was temporarily closed while officers secured and processed the scene.

Assistance was provided by the Lavaca County Sheriff's Office and the Moulton Police Department. EMS was dispatched due to the taser deployment, and Harper was transported to the Yoakum Community Hospital for medical evaluation. After being cleared by medical staff, he was booked into the Lavaca County Jail.

Harper faces two second-degree felony charges for Possession of a Controlled Substance- approximately 26 grams of methamphetamine and 39 grams of PCP. He was also charged with Tampering with Evidence, Evading Arrest, and Resisting Arrest. His vehicle was towed from the scene by H&O Wrecker.

“Sgt. Kalina did an outstanding job apprehending the suspect and keeping those dangerous drugs off the streets of Shiner,” Shiner Police Chief Wayne Denson said. “He leads our department in narcotics arrests. Our department is fortunate to have him. Sgt. Kalina is a dedicated professional and his goal is to keep our community safe.”