Rockwall County jury hands down 20-year sentence for man who fled crash, evaded police

Rockwall County Jail book-in photo of Defendant Jason Aaron Smith

ROCKWALL, TX (Nov. 21, 2025) This week, a Rockwall County jury convicted Rockwall resident, Jason Aaron Smith, 46, for the offense of Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle.  After hearing evidence in the punishment phase of the trial, the jury deliberated less than ten minutes before they sentenced Smith to the maximum punishment of twenty (20) years in a Texas prison.

Jurors heard testimony that on Monday, February 20, 2023, Smith crashed into another vehicle at the intersection of Dalrock and Highway 66 in Rowlett.  Smith immediately fled the scene without providing any identifying information or checking to see if the occupants of the other vehicle needed any medical assistance. Rowlett Police Officers quickly responded to the scene and alerted area law enforcement agencies to be on the look-out for Smith’s vehicle.  Rockwall PD Officer Sonja Doss heard the call and found Smith’s address in law enforcement records.  While driving to Smith’s residence, she saw Smith’s moving vehicle and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Smith ignored Doss’s lights and sirens as he fled from her through his neighborhood. Smith drove on the wrong side of the road, ran multiple stop signs, and almost collided with another vehicle in his attempt to evade the officer. Smith eventually arrived at his home where Officer Doss was able to take him into custody without incident.

In punishment, prosecutors introduced evidence that Smith had been previously convicted and sentenced to prison for the criminal offenses of Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle and felony Driving While Intoxicated (Habitual Offender).  The State also introduced prior DUI offenses from Colorado and two (2) more DWI offenses from Texas.

“This case is a great example of officers from multiple agencies coming together to help protect the community. Rowlett and Rockwall Police Officers’ decisive actions led to a dangerous individual being taken off the road that day,” said lead prosecutor, Ty McDonald.  “The jury sent a strong message that anyone who chooses to run from the police, and put other citizens’ safety at risk, will be held accountable in Rockwall County.”

“Rockwall County juries are tired of people running from the police,” said Rockwall County District Attorney Kenda Culpepper.  “This man hit another car with a family inside and didn’t even bother to stop to check on them.  Then he ran from the police to avoid the repercussions of his actions.  This jury spoke with a loud voice:  Consequences matter.”

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