Olney Man Arrested in Bryson

An Olney man with a prior felony conviction in Young County was taken into custody last week in Bryson after leading law enforcement on a pursuit that stretched across Jack County and prompted an extensive multi-agency search.

Patrick Dillion Rater, 32, of Olney, had previously pleaded guilty in Young County to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In that case, he was sentenced to eight years of community supervision and ordered to pay a $750 fine and court costs.

According to a public safety notification from the Jack County Sheriff ’s Office, the latest incident began early the morning of Feb. 12 when a deputy observed a suspicious vehicle while on patrol. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the vehicle refused to stop, leading to a pursuit.

The chase traveled several miles northbound on U.S. Highway 281 before turning back south onto FM 1191 from Highway 281 to Highway 114 westbound, then southbound onto Wise Street in Jermyn. Authorities said the vehicle eventually entered a pasture, where a male and female suspect exited and fled on foot.

The vehicle was later confirmed to have been stolen.

Additional assistance was requested from the Young County Sheriff ’s Office, Archer County Sheriff ’s Office and the Graham Police Department K9 Unit. Tracking dogs and drones were deployed in the search. Texas Highway Patrol, a game warden and local fire department personnel also assisted.

One female suspect was apprehended shortly after the foot pursuit began. Mr. Rater, described by authorities as approximately 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds with a short haircut and tattoos down both arms, initially remained at large.

Sheriff T-Bob Hauger issued a public advisory asking residents not to approach Mr. Rater and to call 911 if they saw anyone matching his description.

Several sightings were reported in Bryson, but despite the use of K9 units and drones, deputies were unable to immediately locate him.

Later that day, Sheriff Hauger reported that Mr. Rater had been apprehended in Bryson.

Deputies remained in the area for several hours conducting search operations as a precaution.

The investigation is ongoing.