Hays County Issues Additional Warrants In Aggravated Assault Of Public Servant Investigation

On February 11, 2020, the Hays County Sheriff’s Office issued additional warrants for the two actors involved in the incident that had occurred on Saturday night, February 8^th.

A high-speed pursuit began in downtown Dripping Springs, Texas, and traveled westbound on State Highway 290 when the female passenger, identified as Klarissa Maria Soto, 19 years of age from Manchaca, fired several shots from a handgun at the pursuing deputy.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Nathaniel Michael Castro 23 years of age from El Paso.

Additional charges were filed against Castro to include Tampering with Physical Evidence with Intent to Impair (3rd-degree felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (3rd-degree felony).

An additional charge of Tampering with Physical Evidence with intent to impair (3rd-degree felony) was also filed on Soto. Bonds have yet to be set for these charges.

Both Soto and Castro had already been arrested for Aggravated Assault on a Public Servant (1st-degree felony), Evading Arrest/Detention with a Vehicle (3rd-degree felony), and Evading Arrest/Detention (Class A Misdemeanor).

Bonds were set at $1,000,000 for the aggravated assault on the public servant on Castro and $750,000 for the same charge on Soto and $500,000 for each of the evading charges for both Castro and Soto.

During the investigation, it was discovered that Castro had a multitude of felony warrants originating out of the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

There were a total of 5 counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (2^nd Degree Felony), 3 counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (3rd-degree felony) and one count of Continuous Family Violence (State Jail Felony). Castro is being held on these charges with a total bond amount of $900,000.

The firearm used in this incident has not been found as of this date, and the search continues to locate it. The area covers up to 17 miles on each side of the roadway on Highway 290, where the pursuit occurred. Weather conditions are also making it difficult to find this weapon used in the assault.

Sheriff Gary Cutler wanted to express his relief that the deputies involved in the pursuit and the citizens in the area during the pursuit were not injured.

If residents believe they have information regarding this case, contact the Hays County Sheriff’s Office at 512-393-7896 and speak with the Criminal Investigations Division, or they may contact the Hays County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-324-TIPS.

Residents may also submit information electronically from the link on the Hays County Crime Stoppers website or by using the free smartphone application from any smartphone.

The application is P3tips.com. Information leading to the arrest and indictment of criminal suspect(s) may be eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1,000.

All calls are confidential and callers will remain anonymous. You do not have to give your name and you will not have to testify in court.

Related Coverage:

• UPDATED: HCSO Vehicle Chase Ends With Shots Fired, One In Custody, Two Fleeing Scene On Foot, Active Search