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| Sidney Blake Murphrey, 20, of Livingston |
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Theft Suspects Rack Up Felony Charges, PROVIDENCE, August 19, 2025 - On Monday, August 18, 2025, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a stolen tractor from the Southland Plantation subdivision. Detectives developed information on the tractor’s location and responded to the area, where the tractor was observed. Several individuals were present, and two male subjects fled on foot. Detectives pursued the suspects and requested additional deputies. The property and surrounding residences were secured, and a search warrant was obtained. The stolen tractor was recovered and returned to its rightful owner.
Through investigation, detectives identified both suspects who fled the scene. Deputies and detectives, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol, Texas Game Wardens, Alabama-Coushatta Police Department, and Onalaska Police Department, maintained patrols in the area in an effort to locate the individuals. Citizens later reported sightings of a male suspect stealing multiple recreational vehicles and hiding inside a building. The suspect evaded law enforcement for several hours and, during the pursuit, rammed Sheriff Byron Lyons’ vehicle.
The suspect, identified as 20-year-old Livingston resident Sidney Blake Murphrey, was ultimately taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail. Murphrey was arrested for the following charges:
Aggravated Assault Against a Public Servant (felony)
Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle X2 (felony)
Evading Arrest Detention with Previous Conviction X2 (felony)
Parole Violation –Evading Arrest with a Vehicle (felony)
Liberty County Warrant- Theft of Property (felony)
A SECOND SUSPECT...The second male subject who fled the scene was identified as Christopher Shawn Smith. Smith currently has an active misdemeanor warrant for Theft of Property and will face additional pending charges related to the August 18, 2025, incident. Smith is known to grow out his facial hair while evading law enforcement in an attempt to conceal a distinctive tattoo on his chin.
Below are photographs of Smith, both with and without facial hair, for reference.
If you have any information in reference to this case that may help with the investigation, please contact the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, at (936) 327-6810. You may also submit an anonymous tip at p3tips.com, the P3 App, or call Polk County Crime Stoppers, at 936-327-STOP, where you can remain anonymous and may collect a cash reward for information leading to an arrest.
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