A Daring Escape Attempt: Cowboys Rookie Marshawn Kneeland's Wild 160 MPH Chase Ends with K-9s and a Drone

Imagine, if you will, a scene ripped straight from an action movie: a high-speed car chase, reaching astonishing velocities, followed by an on-foot manhunt involving police dogs and even aerial drone surveillance. Well, that’s precisely what unfolded in Austin, Texas, involving none other than Marshawn Kneeland, the Dallas Cowboys’ promising rookie defensive end, according to recently unveiled public records. It wasn't just any ordinary pursuit; this was a full-blown, adrenaline-fueled operation.

The incident, which transpired on a Saturday night around June 8th, began when officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety attempted to pull over a black Dodge Challenger. The reason? A rather common traffic violation, specifically an expired temporary license plate. But instead of simply pulling over, the driver, later identified as Kneeland, decided to floor it. Talk about escalating quickly.

What followed was a harrowing chase along Interstate 35, where speeds reportedly hit a breathtaking 160 miles per hour. Let's be clear: that’s a speed that beggars belief on public roads, especially considering the inherent dangers involved for everyone on the highway. Troopers attempted various maneuvers to bring the reckless vehicle to a halt, including a PIT maneuver, though it proved unsuccessful in this instance. They even deployed spike strips, a common tactic to deflate tires, hoping to end the high-risk pursuit safely.

Ultimately, the spike strips did their job, forcing the Challenger to slow down and eventually come to a stop. But the drama wasn't over. Rather than surrendering, the driver, Kneeland, reportedly bolted from the car and attempted to flee on foot. That's when the chase truly entered a new dimension, transitioning from a vehicular pursuit to a comprehensive ground and air search.

With Kneeland now on the run through a wooded area, authorities weren't taking any chances. They deployed K-9 units, those incredible four-legged officers with their unparalleled sense of smell, to track his movements. And to add another layer of sophistication to the search, a drone was also brought into play, offering an aerial perspective to help locate the fleeing suspect. The coordination of these resources highlights the intensity and seriousness of the situation.

It didn't take long, relatively speaking, for the combined efforts to pay off. A K-9 unit successfully located Kneeland, leading to his eventual arrest. He now faces charges of evading arrest, a felony offense, and resisting arrest, a misdemeanor. The Travis County Jail records indicate that Kneeland was booked on a $20,000 bond for the felony charge and an additional $5,000 for the misdemeanor, illustrating the legal gravity of his actions.

For the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted Kneeland in the second round, this news is undoubtedly concerning. The team has acknowledged the incident, stating they are fully aware of the situation and gathering more information. It's a stark reminder that even promising careers can be jeopardized by off-field decisions, especially ones that put public safety at such extreme risk. This wild ride, quite literally, serves as a sobering lesson for all involved.