Copperas Cove man evades police, takes own life

By LYNETTE SOWELL

Cove Leader-Press

Keelan River Harrelson, 27, of Copperas Cove died on Tuesday evening, after leading police on a chase after a report of a reckless driver and a traffic stop.

According to a press release issued on Wednesday morning by the Copperas Cove Police Department, Cpt. Gabriel Cardona said that officers were dispatched to the 3000 block of East Business 190 around 9:47 p.m., after a call came in about a “reckless driver who was swerving all over the road.”

This area is in the vicinity of H-E-B Plus! and the Five Hills Shopping Center.

Cardona stated that an officer then located the vehicle in the 800 block of East Business 190.

After Harrelson was stopped, police reported that Harrelson “exhibited signs of intoxication and emotional distress.”

While speaking with the officer, Harrelson then fled the scene and pursuit ensued eastbound on Business Highway 190. 

The officers lost sight of Harrelson’s vehicle, but then found it again in the 3000 block of East Business Highway 190 after it had crashed.

Officers found Harrelson deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was pronounced deceased onsite by Coryell County Justice of the Peace Bill Price of Precinct 2.

Police say the incident is still under investigation.