Scotty Bradberry was taken into custody in Panola County after evading law enforcement for several days, according to a statement posted by the Kilgore Police Department. Officials said the arrest closed out a search that began after Bradberry allegedly violated a protective order tied to a prior family violence case.
According to police, Bradberry was aware of the protective order and had been warned by a judge to stay away from the residence in question following his earlier arrest. Despite the warning, he returned to the property, an act that triggered the latest round of charges against him.
Multiple Agencies Involved in the Search
The Kilgore Police Department credited the Panola County Sheriff’s Office, including Sheriff Clinton and his deputies, for their help in locating Bradberry. Police said Bradberry fled from Panola County deputies as well during the search, adding yet another charge to the four warrants he had already picked up from the prior incident.
In their post, KPD referenced the use of federal resources in tracking Bradberry down, a comment that drew a mix of curiosity and skepticism from community members online. Some commenters questioned the mention of national agencies being involved in a local arrest, while others focused on the broader message about accountability.
Police also addressed a series of videos circulating on TikTok that were reportedly posted by a family member of Bradberry’s, mocking KPD and referencing a person identified only as Santo. Officers said they were aware of the videos and found them amusing, but noted that the arrest ultimately spoke for itself.
Community Reaction Mixed on Social Media
The department’s post went further, stating that several individuals who assisted or sheltered Bradberry during the days he was evading capture could also face consequences, warning that a stay at the local jail may be in their future as well.
Reaction in the comments section was largely supportive of law enforcement, with many residents thanking officers for their work and expressing relief that Bradberry was in custody. Several commenters tied the arrest back to ongoing concerns about methamphetamine use in the area, framing the case as another example of how drug addiction can derail a person’s life and relationships.
Not everyone agreed with the tone of the post, however. A handful of commenters pushed back on the idea of publicly highlighting drug-related arrests, arguing that community attention should instead be directed toward more serious offenders, such as those involved in violent crime.
As of now, Bradberry faces charges tied to the protective order violation, evading arrest from two separate agencies, and the additional warrants stemming from the prior family violence incident. No additional details have been released regarding a court date or bond status.
Local officials have not indicated whether further arrests connected to the case are expected, though the department’s statement suggested the investigation into who assisted Bradberry during the search may not be finished.
