Central Texas man, 59, fatally shot by deputy after chase

Authorities say a Central Texas sheriff’s deputy has fatally shot a driver during an exchange of gunfire following an attempted traffic stop and chase. Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange says Cpl. Shane Geers fatally shot 59-year-old Lyle Patrick Blanchard of Harker Heights. Investigators say the shooting happened Tuesday afternoon when Geers attempted to stop a van being operated in an erratic manner. Harker Heights police Chief Mike Gentry says driver impairment was a concern. The deputy chased Blanchard’s vehicle for less than a mile before the suspect stopped. Lange says Blanchard was fatally shot during a shootout. Police didn’t immediately provide additional information on the gunfire. Geers, who wasn’t hurt, has been placed on administrative leave amid a review of the incident. Harter Heights is 60 miles north of Austin.