On February 4th, investigators from the Kaufman County sheriff’s office were attempting to locate Brian Edward Manning Jr. due to outstanding felony warrants. They had staked out a location on County Road 3702 in southern Hunt county where they had learned Mr. Manning had been staying. While they were watching the location, another tip was received that Mr. Manning was aware that they were closing in on him. The officers decided to approach the location in an attempt to apprehend Mr. Manning before he could flee the scene – to read the rest of the story and find out what happened, click “Read On”, below.
(Update: On Tuesday, February 12, Brian E. Manning was captured without incident by the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office is currently seeking indictments for an additional 17 counts of burglary.)

As officers approached the property, Mr. Manning was seen fleeing through a thickly wooded area. Investigators and uniformed deputies gave chase to Mr. Manning, who dropped a bag containing a pistol and a large amount of methamphetamine, but unfortunately, Mr. Manning eluded capture by fleeing through the woods.

Investigators then returned to the home Mr. Manning had been hiding in and asked the homeowner for consent to search the property. After obtaining consent, investigators discovered a cache of stolen property that they believe to be valued at $100,000 to $150,000. Amongst the stolen property were trailers, rare coins, savings bonds, guns and several other pieces of valuable property.

Investigators from Hunt County, Rockwall County and Kaufman County are still in the process of inventorying the property and attempting to locate the rightful owners. The Kaufman County investigators were assisted at the scene by Hunt County and DPS Investigators. Kaufman County investigators had said they intend to charge Mr. Manning with an additional 17 counts of burglary.

The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office is asking the citizens of Kaufman County and the surrounding areas for their help in locating Brian Edward Manning Jr. Police officials state that Mr. Manning should be considered armed and dangerous, and that anyone with any information concerning his whereabouts or that sees him in the area should contact the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office at (972) 932-4337, or contact your local law enforcement agency.

Mr. Manning, a Rockwall resident, is 28, is 6′1″ tall and weighs 170 pounds. Mugshots of Mr. Manning are posted below. To discuss this story in the Forney discussion forums, and to read some information on how to protect your property and help assure its swift return if it is stolen, click here.