ROCKWALL COUNTY, Texas — A Rockwall County man is recovering from very serious injuries after he was an innocent third party in a police high-speed pursuit that led to a crash.
Troy Dureault was returning home from the bank on February 24 when he was struck by an SUV. The crash occurred at John King Boulevard and Texas State Highway 276. Rockwall County Sheriff's tell WFAA the SUV was reported stolen. When deputies attempted to make a stop, the driver identified as Michael Breaux, evaded officers and led them on a high-speed chase lasting one mile.
"I look to the left of me and all I see is a SUV barreling towards me," said Dureault.
Rockwall Sheriff's say Breaux had run the red light in an attempt to evade officers. WFAA was provided with dashcam video from a witness. It shows the large vehicle at a high rate of speed colliding with Troy's white Kia.
"I've only watched the video once. My husband's like, 'You don't want to,'" said Suzanne Dureault. "My entire left side [of my body] had been enveloped in the door essentially," said Troy.
Dureault is currently in in-patient rehab at Hunt County Regional Medical Center in Greenville. Along with major bruises and cuts to his lower body, Troy broke bones in his lower leg, clavicle, and pelvis. Recovery is expected to take several months. It is unclear if Dureault will make a full recovery.
Rockwall Sheriffs tell WFAA the high-speed chase lasted less than a minute. They say their chase policy is at the discretion of the deputies dispatched.
"Why are you runing from the police officer? It's selfish...it's completely selfish," said Suzanne, Troy's mom.
Michael Breaux faces several felonies, from unauthorized use of a vehicle to evading arrest to aggravated assault.
"You get what you get, really. The due process is going to do its work," Troy said directed at Breaux.
The family has organized a GoFundMe for unexpected medical bills and rehab expenses.