Man who fled Little Elm police surrenders after barricading himself under Prosper bridge, authorities say
A man who fled as Little Elm officers tried to take him into custody and later barricaded himself under a bridge in Prosper was arrested without injury Saturday after a multi‑agency standoff, authorities said.
The suspect – identified as 40‑year‑old Matthew Sierra – now faces an additional charge of evading arrest or detention in a motor vehicle.
The incident began on Friday, when officers received a report that Sierra had violated a protective order involving a minor. Officers responded, but Sierra was no longer in the area, and the violation was later reported to the child's parent.
According to Little Elm Police Chief Rodney Harrison, officers were checking on the protected individual Saturday – without being dispatched – when they spotted Sierra's vehicle at a gas station near the victim's home. When officers attempted a traffic stop, Sierra fled, leading to a short pursuit into Prosper.
Barricade under bridge and threats of self‑harm
Harrison said Sierra was later found under a bridge near Gee Road, where he barricaded himself in his vehicle and repeatedly threatened to harm himself, at one point telling officers he wanted them to use deadly force.
A Little Elm police drone confirmed he was holding an item resembling a gun, prompting SWAT teams from Little Elm, Prosper and Celina to respond, Harrison said.
Road closures and hours‑long negotiation
Gee Road was closed from Fishtrap Road/Denton Way to First Street as officers secured the area.
Harrison said Little Elm's Hostage Negotiation Team worked for several hours to de‑escalate the standoff. Sierra surrendered at about 3:15 p.m. and was taken into custody without incident. No officers were injured.
Harrison praised the officers' proactive work and the negotiation team's efforts. He thanked the assisting agencies, including the Prosper, Frisco, Celina and Aubrey police departments, and the Denton County Sheriff's Office.
CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.
