Parole Violator Arrested After Foot Pursuit in Newton County

Mitchell Crooks Jr., taken into custody Sunday afternoon by Newton County Sheriff’s deputies after fleeing on foot from a traffic stop. Photo Courtesy of Newton County Sheriff's Office.

NEWTON COUNTY — What began as a routine patrol on Sunday afternoon quickly escalated into a pursuit through the woods and ended with the arrest of a wanted parole violator, according to Newton County Sheriff Colton Havard.

Around 12:30 p.m. on October 5, 2025, Deputy B. Sonnier was patrolling near Spur 272 and County Road 4141 when he conducted a traffic stop on a passenger vehicle. During the stop, Deputy Sonnier recognized one of the passengers as Mitchell Crooks Jr., who had an active warrant issued by the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles.

Before the deputy could take him into custody, Crooks fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff’s Office quickly launched a search, joined by members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. The pursuit eventually led to a nearby residence belonging to one of Crooks’ relatives. Deputies spotted him running across the yard and were able to apprehend him without further incident.

Crooks was booked into the Newton County Jail on the parole violation warrant.

Sheriff Havard extended his appreciation to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and teamwork during the arrest.