A Cleburne woman already jailed in connection with an August police pursuit that left an officer wounded now faces an additional charge of attempted capital murder of a peace officer, authorities said.
Police filed the first-degree felony charge against Zora Bliss, 47, under Texas’ law of parties. Investigators allege she assisted the driver, 43-year-old Jason Stroud, as he fired multiple rounds at pursuing Cleburne officers, according to an arrest warrant affidavit cited by Fox 4.
Pursuit ended in Burleson
The incident began just before 7 p.m. on August 24, when Cleburne police responded to a report of a person with a firearm inside a vehicle, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
Officers pursued the vehicle through Alvarado and north on Interstate 35W before the chase ended near a Sam’s Club at I-35W and Burleson Boulevard in Burleson.
Return gunfire killed Stroud at the scene, according to the police account. Gunfire also struck a Cleburne officer in the leg, and the officer received treatment at a local hospital.
Earlier charges and bond
Bliss has remained in the Johnson County Jail since the pursuit on earlier charges of aggravated assault against a public servant and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. Her combined bond totaled $1.55 million, Fox 4 reported September 27.
Cleburne Police Chief Rob Severance praised the officers involved and said the wounded officer continues to recover, according to a statement the outlet published.
“I’m incredibly proud of the courage and professionalism our officers showed during an extremely dangerous situation, especially the officer who was injured while protecting our community,” Severance said.
Texas Rangers continue shooting investigation
Cleburne police said they completed their investigation into Bliss’ alleged involvement. The Texas Rangers continue to investigate the officer-involved shooting separately.
The charges remain allegations, and the law presumes Bliss innocent unless a court finds her guilty.
