Local law enforcement officials found themselves in a dangerous situation last week, engaging in a high-speed chase to detain a suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a woman in Edgewood that also involved the kidnapping of a small child.

According to reports of the incident, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Downs Street in Edgewood after receiving reports of shots being fired.

Officers and first responders rushed to the scene, finding 22-year old Alyssa Beth Flores of Wills Point with multiple gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of EMS personnel, Flores would pass away from her injuries.

While on scene officers were notified that the suspect in the shooting, subsequently identified as Braylon Diamente Hicks of Forney, had fled the scene traveling west in a vehicle after taking a five-month old infant from a residence.

The Wills Point Police Department provided additional information regarding the chase noting, “On Aug. 12, the Wills Point Police Department along with a Van Zandt County District Attorney Investigator observed a dispatched call from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office regarding a shooting and kidnapping inside the City of Edgewood.

“A short time later, officers and the Investigator located the suspect vehicle running at a high rate of speed west bound on Highway 80 through Wills Point. At that time, the officers attempted to stop the suspect who then began to evade officers continuing west bound on Highway 80. The pursuit continued South on FM 2965 to Interstate 20, where the suspect then began traveling west bound at speeds over 120 mph. The suspect continued traveling at high rates of speed, passing vehicles on the shoulders and weaving in and out of traffic.”

The chase entered Kaufman County before coming to a close just west of the Gateway Bridge.

The WPPD report of the incident continued, “Once the suspect opened the driver door, it was then apparent (to all the assisting agencies), that the suspect had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. Officers immediately began rendering aid to the suspect who was later transported to Dallas area hospital. While officers rendered aid to the suspect, other officers located the infant child, in the front passenger seat, unharmed. The infant was transported to a Dallas area hospital.

“The Van Zandt County Sheriff and Texas Rangers are conducting the on scene investigation to the initial shooting due to the mother dying from her injuries.”

WPPD Chief Aaron Long added, “ We want to thank Van Zandt County District Attorney Office, Terrell Police Department, Forney Police Department, Kaufman County Sheriffs Office, Kaufman County Constables Office - Pct. 2, Van Zandt County Sheriff Office, Van Zandt County Constable Office - Pct. 3. and Child Protective Services.”

“This is a perfect example of teamwork, for the best available outcome of a horrible situation. Everyone please say a prayer for this child and the families of everyone involved,” said Long.

“If you or anyone you know are a victim of family violence, please reach out and speak to someone. We will help you!”