East Texas shooting suspect arrested in Johnston County, Oklahoma, after truck fire and multi-agency search

Suspect captured after search shifts from Sabine County to southern Oklahoma

A 36-year-old East Texas man accused in a Sunday night shooting in Sabine County, Texas, was arrested in Johnston County, Oklahoma, after authorities tracked him across state lines during a search spanning more than 300 miles.

Investigators identified the suspect as Todd Lawrence Stevens. He is accused of shooting 43-year-old Cody Thompson on Sunday night in the Bronson area of Sabine County. The initial call brought deputies to Bronson Cemetery Road at about 8:15 p.m., where officers reported finding a small pool of blood at a home.

Witnesses told investigators that Thompson was sitting in his pickup truck when he was shot. Authorities allege Stevens then drove away in the same pickup with Thompson still inside. Officials said Thompson’s condition was unknown at the time because no hospitals reported receiving a shooting victim matching the circumstances.

Vehicle fire near the Trinity River becomes key development

Later that night, at roughly 10 p.m., emergency crews in Chambers County, Texas, responded to a vehicle fire beneath the Interstate 10 bridge at the Trinity River near Anahuac. After the fire was extinguished, deputies reported finding burned human remains inside the passenger compartment.

Authorities said the burned vehicle matched the description of Thompson’s pickup. Officials also reported that injuries noted by medical personnel were consistent with the injuries described in the earlier shooting report. The remains were taken to the Jefferson County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy and formal identification.

How the arrest unfolded in Tishomingo

Law enforcement agencies in Texas and Oklahoma coordinated as investigators developed information indicating Stevens had fled north and might be receiving assistance from a family member. By Monday afternoon, the search activity had moved into Johnston County, with law enforcement conducting efforts in and around Wapanucka before shifting focus to nearby Tishomingo.

Authorities said an additional lead came from a person described by investigators as a possible co-conspirator who was arrested in Sherman, Texas. Investigators said that person provided information about Stevens being taken to a residence in northern Tishomingo.

Deputies surrounded a home off U.S. Highway 377 on the north side of Tishomingo. Five individuals came outside and were placed in investigative detention while deputies searched the residence and outbuildings. Stevens was located in the master bedroom, hiding under a bed mattress, at approximately 7:44 p.m. Monday. The other individuals were questioned and released, authorities said.

Charges and next steps

• Stevens was booked into the Johnston County Jail and is being held pending extradition back to Texas.
• He is expected to face a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in Sabine County.
• Investigators indicated additional charges could follow as the investigation proceeds, including potential action related to developments in Chambers County.

Officials said additional details about the investigation were expected to be released later Tuesday as the case continues to develop.