Richmond, TX – In February 2022, a Fort Bend County jury convicted Joshua Carson Joseph of the felony offense of Evading Arrest or Detention in a Vehicle.  Sentencing before the court was rescheduled to June 22, 2022, when Joseph agreed to prosecutors’ recommendation of 25 years in prison.  The 33-year old Houston man was tried after a high-speed chase from a minor traffic stop in Missouri City.

According to Assistant District Attorney Justin Foster, Missouri City Police Officer Hopkins observed Joseph driving 65 in a 45 mph zone on Texas Parkway on April 9, 2019. The defendant was driving his wife’s Ford Mustang with his wife in the front passenger seat. Joseph initially pulled over, but as Officer Hopkins exited his patrol vehicle and approached, Joseph took off. Officer Hopkins pursued the defendant through multiple parking lots before Joseph exited the parking lot back onto Texas Parkway. Joseph attempted to make a quick evasive U-turn and lost control of his car – running off the road and into a ditch. The defendant was able to drive out of the ditch and back onto Texas Parkway. Joseph eventually attempted to turn onto Dawnstar Drive but lost control of the vehicle again and crashed into a curb. Joseph was able to get away on foot but left his wallet and driver’s license behind.  Joseph was arrested on a warrant after the case was indicted.

“The defendant put the public in extreme danger with his behavior,” said Foster. “Plus his two previous burglary convictions, Joseph doesn’t seem interested in supporting his community, rather, he’s endangering it.”

Joseph was tried in the 240^th District Court before Presiding Judge Frank Fraley.  Evading with a Vehicle is a third-degree felony punishable by 2-10 years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.  Because Joseph had two prior felony convictions, his punishment range was enhanced to 25-99 years, or life, in prison. 

Assistant District Attorneys Justin Foster and Grayson Miller prosecuted the case.