Four Troopers Injured During Texas Traffic Stop; Manhunt Underway for Possibly Armed Suspect (UPDATED)

UPDATE 9:08 p.m. ET: Trooper Chris Ray of the Texas Department of Public Safety told KFDA-TV that after troopers pulled over the vehicle, the driver exited and began fighting with them.

Then the driver jumped back into the car and began to take off, Ray told KDFA, adding that the troopers attempted to stop it and were thrown off it or hit by it.

The extent of their injuries wasn't disclosed.

The driver — who's still on the loose — has been identified as 25-year-old Victor Apodaca, officials told KFDA. He's wanted on counts of stolen firearms, distribution of marijuana and possession with intent to traffic methamphetamine and heroin.

Image source: Texas Department of Public Safety

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UPDATE 6:35 p.m. ET: While four troopers were injured in Sunday's traffic stop in Conway, Texas, one of them is not a Texas trooper but rather a member of the Virginia State Police in the area to observe techniques, KVII-TV reported.

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UPDATE 5:30 p.m. ET: Four Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were injured during a traffic stop around noon Sunday, and a manhunt was underway for one of the suspects, KVII-TV in Amarillo reported.

#BREAKING UPDATE: 4 Troopers injured; Manhunt still underway - https://t.co/BbPA3eJwNQ pic.twitter.com/4qfqiSBFPI

— ABC 7 Amarillo (@ABC7Amarillo)

September 13, 2015

The troopers' injuries aren't life-threatening, DPS Spokesperson Trooper Chris Ray told the station. Two of the troopers were hospitalized; one of them was released, Ray added.

During the noon traffic stop in Conway along Interstate 40, one trooper believed things could get dangerous and jumped into the pulled-over vehicle to prevent it from driving off, Ray said. It was at that point that the trooper was injured, Ray noted, adding that three other troopers were also injured.

The nature of their injuries haven't been released.

Two people allegedly were involved in the incident. One suspect was taken into custody, and a manhunt was underway for the second, the station said.

More from KVII:

The Sheriff's Office said it was initially looking for a silver Cadillac 4-door with one person inside. That person, the Sheriff's Office said, is possibly armed and is believed to be wanted out of Clovis, New Mexico.

Authorities said the suspect vehicle was found abandoned near Armstrong County Charlie Road and 19. Anyone who may see this suspect is asked to call 911 and to not approach him.

The DPS chopper along with prison dogs were called in to assist with the search east of Amarillo in Armstrong County. Law enforcement is now in armored clothing searching through the fields.

Original story below

A Texas Department of Public Safety trooper was assaulted and hospitalized Sunday during an incident at a truck stop in Conway along Interstate 40, KVII-TV in Amarillo reported.

The trooper was alert when the hospital transport took place, and the trooper’s injuries aren’t life-threatening, DPS Spokesperson Trooper Chris Ray told the station. But neither the nature of the trooper’s injuries nor the incident itself have been released yet.

Two people allegedly were involved in the assault, which occurred just after noon at the Love’s truck stop, the Carson County Sheriff’s Office told KVII. One suspect was taken into custody, and a manhunt was underway for the second, the station said.

LATEST: Manhunt still underway after Trooper hurt this afternoon in Carson County - https://t.co/BbPA3eJwNQ pic.twitter.com/YEfTd4dliX

— ABC 7 Amarillo (@ABC7Amarillo) September 13, 2015

More from KVII:

The Sheriff’s Office said it was initially looking for a silver Cadillac 4-door with one person inside. That person, the Sheriff’s Office said, is possibly armed and is believed to be wanted out of Clovis, New Mexico.

Authorities said the suspect vehicle was found abandoned near Armstrong County Charlie Road and 19. Anyone who may see this suspect is asked to call 911 and to not approach him.

The DPS chopper was reportedly called in to assist with the search east of Amarillo.

This is breaking news; updates will be added.

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