Jasper County Sheriff’s Report - 02/24/2026

We are proud to announce that CID Lieutenant Jason McClelland is the employee of the month for JCSO for the month of January. Lt. McClelland is a 21-year law enforcement veteran and has spent the last 18 years working for JCSO in various capacities. Jason is a valuable asset to our team and has a ton of investigative experience. Not only does he supervise our CID Division, but he also keeps a heavy case load. He works non-stop and he is very familiar with the operations of this Sheriff’s Office. Jason has had many great job opportunities in the past but has chosen to stay here and serve the citizens of Jasper County. He does an excellent job and we value his leadership skills. Congratulations Lt. McClelland! Thank you for your dedication.

I am proud to announce that KFDM reporter Taylor Justice joined the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff/ Public Information Officer. Taylor is a lifelong Jasper County resident who was raised in Buna. She graduated from Vidor High School in 2020 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications with a concentration in Broadcast from Lamar University in 2024. During her time at Lamar, Taylor developed her passion for storytelling through the LUTV News program as a student reporter and anchor. For the past two years, Taylor has worked as a news reporter at KFDM News, covering stories across Southeast Texas and building strong relationships within the communities she served. As a Deputy Sheriff/ Public Information Official for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office, Taylor is excited to bring her experience in media, communication, and public engagement closer to home. Taylor’s experience and knowledge will be extremely helpful getting accurate information out to the public in a timely manner. Additionally, she will begin the police academy next month to begin getting her Peace Officer License. I promised the citizens of Jasper County we would bring the very best talent to our county and we will continue to do everything we can to always improve and enhance the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. The citizens of our county are the best so they deserve to have the very best.

It was a great honor receiving the “Pillars of the Community Award” on behalf of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office February 21st, 2026, at the Nehemiah Center in Jasper. This award is made possible by the hard-working and dedicated men and women of the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office. Our employees are doing an extremely good job and they treat our citizens with Dignity and Respect. I appreciate their dedication and commitment to our county. We really appreciate Wretha Rawls and her members for nominating us for this prestigious award. We will continue to work hard and earn the trust and support of the citizens of Jasper County. We would also like to congratulate KJAS for receiving the same award and their dedication to our community.

I was proud to be the guest speaker at the retired Kirbyville Teacher’s luncheon on February 17th, 2026. It was an absolute honor to discuss the Sheriff’s Office Operations with some of my former teachers. I appreciated them having me. And the food was fantastic!

On the afternoon of February 18th, 2026, I attended a political event in Beaumont where I had a chance to personally speak with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Texas Speaker of the House Dustin Burrows, soon to be State Representative Dr. Ray Callas and several other candidates who are running for various state offices. One of the reasons I attend these events is to advocate for the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office and to communicate with our state leaders regarding the needs of our Sheriff’s Office, specifically the importance of funding and salaries for our employees. Our county has limited funding and revenue, so it is imperative that our state elected officials know the needs of rural law enforcement. Although we are extremely grateful for the state financial assistance related to Senate Bill 22, it is imperative that this bill continues to be funded and even increased so we can keep good, quality employees at our office. A huge thank you to Dr. Ray Callas for being a staunch supporter of our office. It’s always great seeing so many Jasper County residents attending and participating at these political events. Additionally, myself and Lamar University President Dr. Jaime Taylor had great conversations about some possible internships with our office and Lamar University.

On February 17th, 2026, Deputy Shannon Davis was dispatched to the 17000 blk of FM 252 in Kirbyville for a physical disturbance. During the investigation, deputies learned that Tyler King 34, of Jasper and her husband went to the residence to drop a child off who had stayed with them over night. During this time a verbal altercation ensued between Tyler and the occupants of the home. During the altercation, Tyler followed the occupants of the home into the residence and became aggressive and attempted to strike the victim, at which time a physical altercation ensued. The investigation determined that Tyler unlawfully entered the home and committed assault. Tyler was placed under arrest for Burglary of a Habitation with intent to commit Assault- 2nd Degree Felony. She was also arrested for a Felony Probation warrant out of Louisiana. Tyler was transported and booked into the Jasper County Jail.

On Saturday, February 21st, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Jasper County Deputies assisted Kirbyville Police with a vehicle pursuit. The suspects led authorities west on FM 82 at a high rate of speed. The pursuit continued to county road 408 where the suspects lost control and struck a tree before fleeing on foot. One suspect was taken into custody and a search for the second suspect followed. A Jasper County S.O. drone was called to assist with the search. While officers were searching the wooded area with a K9 a Sheriff’s Office drone continued to search the area. The second suspect was located after he back tracked and became entangled in a briar patch. He began yelling for help near where the S.O. drone pilot was parked flying the drone. The drone pilot, along with a Kirbyville PD officer, were able to take him into custody. The vehicle was reported stolen out of Houston. Both subjects were juveniles. The driver was transported to a local hospital for treatment and the second suspect was arrested and released to juvenile probation.

This morning, we went to Call Junction Baptist Church where we let the kids look at the patrol cars and drone. Members of the Special Operations Team conducted demonstrations with their equipment. The kiddos were so observant and eager to learn about everything. It is very important that we have a good relationship with children because they are our future.

Everyone listed in this report is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

We are here for you and your families, 24/7. It is a privilege and honor to represent the people of this county.

Respectfully,

Chuck Havard

Jasper County Sheriff