Conroe Police Arrest Shooting Suspect After Pursuit and SWAT Operation, Bringing Violent Offender Into Custody

CONROE, TX -- In the early morning hours of October 13th, officers responded to a reported shooting at a local motel. The victim sustained a gunshot wound to the face and was transported to a nearby hospital in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries. Through video surveillance and excellent investigative work by our officers, the suspect was identified as Devonte Hatchell, 32, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On the evening of October 15th, SWAT team members, Patrol, and CRU officers assisted in surveilling the suspect at a local motel. When Hatchell was seen leaving the motel in a vehicle, officers from Patrol, SWAT, and the Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) conducted a traffic stop in the area of 1600 S. Frazier St. The driver of the suspect vehicle complied and was detained without incident. The passenger, Kyla Gambrell 21, climbed into the driver’s seat and drove away, leading the officers on a pursuit. Gambrell lost control of the vehicle near S. Frazier St. and Foster, striking a vehicle and crashing into a light pole. Gambrell surrendered to police while Hatchell fled on foot into a nearby wooded area. Hatchell was quickly apprehended.

In just two days, through an outstanding team effort by all units of the Conroe Police Department and Task Force Officers with the U.S. Marshals, a dangerous felon was taken off the streets of Conroe, making our community a safer place.

The Conroe Police Department is committed to protecting our citizens through proactive policing, collaboration, and a continuous effort to bring those who commit violent crimes to justice. Chief John C Buckholtz stated, “he is honored to work alongside so many dedicated and brave servants who are focused daily on protecting the citizens despite the peril they are placed in. Strapping on a badge, gun, and bullet-resistant vest with the focus on returning home to your family while dedicating your life to protecting all others is the definition of a hero. Day to day, there is simply no other profession that can compare.”