BELL COUNTY, Texas — A Belton man accused of sexual assault was arrested Saturday after leading deputies and state troopers on a pursuit through multiple Bell County communities, according to the Bell County Sheriff's Office.
Deputies responded May 16, 2026, to a residence off Sparta Road after receiving a report of a sexual assault that had just occurred. Authorities said the suspect was believed to be armed with either a handgun or shotgun.
Responding deputies later located the suspect vehicle in the neighborhood and attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop and fled, investigators said.
The pursuit continued through Belton, Temple, and into the Heidenheimer area, with a trooper from the Texas Department of Public Safety joining the chase.
Authorities said the pursuit ended after troopers used a PIT maneuver to disable the suspect’s Ford F-150 pickup truck in Heidenheimer.
The suspect was identified as 55-year-old Jared Demetrius White of Belton.
White was transported to Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, where he was evaluated and cleared of injuries related to the pursuit.
Following the investigation, the Bell County District Attorney’s Office accepted the following charges against White:
- Sexual Assault
- Assault Causing Bodily Injury by Impeding Breath or Circulation
- Evading Arrest or Detention with a Vehicle
Authorities said Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman issued warrants for White’s arrest.
White remains in custody at the Bell County Jail on a combined bond of $500,000.
