Information out of Uvalde states that the incident occurred on February 22, 2020, at approximately 9:28pm, when an Uvalde County Sheriff’s Deputy conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of US Hwy 83 North and FM 1050 in Uvalde County. 

During the course of the traffic stop, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle sped away from the stop and was pursued by the Deputy into Real County. The Deputy was assisted on the pursuit by Garner State Park Police.

At approximately 9:52 pm, the vehicle crashed into a tree on private property off FM 1120 in Real County.

The driver initially fled on foot from the vehicle before opening fire on the deputy, striking his patrol vehicle multiple times. The Deputy returned fire at the suspect who fled into a nearby wooded area.

Multiple Agencies responded to the location to assist, including Real County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Game Wardens, Texas Highway Patrol, Border Patrol Agents and BORTAC, Real County Constable, and the Texas Rangers.

The suspect remains at large. Investigation is ongoing.

Since then, law enforcement officials have chosen to release the name of the suspect they are looking for.

The suspect identified as Dustin Whitlock of Rio Frio (Real County) has an active felony warrant for the attempted capital murder of a Uvalde County Sheriff’s Deputy. Whitlock is a registered sex offender and is considered armed and dangerous.

Whitlock was last seen at the stop location off FM 1120, approximately one half mile east of US Hwy 83 in Leakey.

Area residents are encouraged to be vigilant and contact law enforcement with any reports of suspicious activity.

Everyone stay safe and God bless our law enforcement actively searching for the suspect. Uvalde Communications Dispatch-(830) 278-9147 Real County Sheriff’s Office-(830) 232-5201.