Deputies Track Stolen Vehicle to Kirbyville — Driver Arrested on Drug Charges

Joni Waldrup, 47, of Kirbyville — courtesy of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office.

KIRBYVILLE, Texas — On Sunday afternoon, October 12, 2025, at approximately 3:37 p.m., Jasper County Sheriff’s deputies were taking a report of a stolen vehicle in the Kirbyville area when the case took an unexpected turn.

While the complainant was still on the phone with deputies, they spotted the vehicle traveling north on U.S. Highway 96 toward Kirbyville. Kirbyville Police quickly located and stopped the vehicle until a Jasper County deputy arrived.

The driver, identified as 47-year-old Joni Waldrup of Kirbyville, was detained as the deputy conducted an investigation. Based on probable cause, a search of the vehicle was conducted, revealing multiple types of illegal narcotics.

Waldrup was taken into custody and charged with:

• Possession of a Controlled Substance PG1, 1G–4G (Third-Degree Felony)

• Possession of a Controlled Substance PG3, under 28G (Class A Misdemeanor)

The stolen vehicle investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges may be considered pending further review.

Sheriff Chuck Havard noted that Waldrup is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law, and extended appreciation to the Kirbyville Police Department for their assistance, reaffirming the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to tackling drug-related and property crimes throughout Jasper County.