High-speed chase leads Kerr County deputies to make smuggling, narcotics arrest

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a 33-year-old Beeville man on suspicion of human smuggling and narcotics possession after a high-speed pursuit through Kerr County on Wednesday.

A deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle in Mountain Home, noticing that the driver was using actions consistent with human smugglers. Deputies pursued the sedan as it merged onto Interstate 10, reaching speeds over 110 MPH. The pursuit continued for approximately 15 miles until the sedan left the roadway near Kerrville. The driver attempted to evade arrest on foot but was caught and placed David Jarrett Klaiber under arrest.

“Our interdiction team does a great job, not just for Kerr County, but
for everywhere in Texas affected by this criminal activity,” Sheriff Larry Leitha said. “This case highlights the integration of activities shared between human smugglers and the drug trade. Despite the extreme threat to public safety this individual posed, everyone was
able to leave this event safely. That’s not always the case and we urge the public to stay aware of their surroundings on the highway.”

Deputies also took two undocumented immigrants into custody, pending release to U.S. Border Patrol.

In addition to human cargo, Klaiber was suspected of transporting 1.4 ounces of marijuana, 13.8 grams of methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Klaiber faces charges for the manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance, evading arrest in a motor vehicle and two charges of smuggling persons. Klaiber faces additional charges in Live Oak and Bee counties. Faced with $130,000 in bonds, Klaiber is in Kerr County jail.