Jose Carlos Escarcega-Ysaias, 20, appeared in court Monday morning for a pre-trial hearing. Escarcega is accused of seriously hurting Lubbock Police Corporal Ryan Durrett last July.
Durrett stopped to help Escarcega who was stranded at 19th Street and Iola Avenue. But when Durrett discovered Escarcega was using a stolen truck things changed. At first Escarcega tried to run away. Police said during the chase, Escarcega got into the driver seat of Durrett’s patrol vehicle. Police said Escarcega crashed the patrol unit with Durrett hanging onto the side.
Escarcega requested a new attorney, and the judge temporarily appointed Jesse Mendez. Escarcega had to waive the right to a speedy trial and another pre-trial hearing was scheduled for April 29.
Escarcega is suing two officers in federal court for allegations of excessive force. Meanwhile, Durrett is suing Escarcega.
Escarcega was held Monday at the Lubbock County Detention Center in lieu of a $500,000 bond.