By Eric Williams

The Orange Leader

 

On Monday, February 6, 2017 at approximately 11:30 am, an officer with the Vidor Police Department initiated a traffic stop on IH-10 at FM 1132 for a vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed.

The driver produced a Texas drivers license identifying himself as David Henry Wurtz, 30.

When the Officer asked dispatch to verify the drivers license and if there were any warrants, a detective from the Vidor Police Department recognized the name from an on-going investigation involving a counterfeit check cashing ring that involved a vehicle pursuit last week.

Upon arrival on the scene by the detective, he identified the driver by his real name, William Elbert Grubbs, 45, of Orange .

Upon being confronted with his real identity, Grubbs began to run away at which time officers initiated a foot pursuit and tased Grubbs.

During an inventory of the vehicle, officers located two loaded pistols with one being reported stolen.

In the rear of the vehicle, officers located two printers, laptop computer, numerous fictitious checks, a large amount of blank check paper stock, and 18 government issued identification cards issued to numerous individuals.

The check cashing ring has been operating throughout Southeast Texas from Houston to Orange County.

Grubbs has an extensive criminal history.

Chief Carroll would like to commend the officers involved on their diligence in the investigation and removing a dangerous criminal from the community.

The charges Grubbs faces are: Two counts of Felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance $100,000, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, forgery of a financial instrument, forgery of a government document, and possession of a controlled substance.

Grubbs remains in Orange County Jail awaiting arraignment.