DPS traffic stop turns manhunt in Hays Co.

HAYS COUNTY, Texas - DPS choppers, canines, local law enforcement agencies, even the Texas Rangers helped form a 4-square-mile perimeter off I-35 in Hays County Thursday looking for two Hispanic men in their 20's who drove away from a trooper.

Sgt. Jason Reyes says it started with a traffic stop a little after 2 p.m. near the York Creek exit.

"The driver of that vehicle made a movement. Placed that vehicle into drive and attempted to drive away from our trooper," Reyes said.

So the trooper sprung into action.

"Our trooper was able to push himself away from the vehicle and fired two shots into the back left tire of that vehicle," he said.

Reyes says the shots did damage the tire but the men driving a black F-150 still managed to cross the grassy area next to the highway, broke through the fence and drove into the field.

The trooper called for backup and when they found the truck, it was empty. The two men were nowhere in sight.

Reyes says there was no indication they were armed or that the vehicle was stolen.

"We have got multiple agencies on scene right now we don't believe that there's a threat to the public at this point and that's why we have not proceeded with any evacuations," he said.

Around 5 Thursday afternoon DPS started calling off the search. Reyes says it's because they didn't believe the runaway men were still in the area.

They're hoping the public will call 911 if they see the men or know who they are.