Background: The Smith County Jail in Tyler, Texas (Google Maps). Inset: Angel Rupkey (Overton Police Department).
A woman in Texas has been detained following an episode on school premises that resulted in a teenage girl being hospitalized. Authorities reported that the woman drove a car over the girl.
The Overton Police Department identified Angel Rupkey, aged 35, several days after the incident on a Saturday at the Overton Independent School District, which involved a 13-year-old girl. Police indicate the teenager was unintentionally hit by a car and ended up trapped beneath the vehicle. Rather than contacting emergency services, it is alleged that the adults present decided to handle the situation themselves. Among them was Rupkey, who police said made a “tragic and reckless decision” exacerbating the girl’s injuries.
According to a press statement from the Overton Police Department, both Christus EMS and the Overton Fire Department reacted to a call reporting a “serious vehicle-versus-pedestrian accident” on the Overton ISD grounds. The 13-year-old was accidentally hit and became “trapped underneath a vehicle.”
Instead of calling emergency services immediately, the adults attempted to rescue the girl on their own, police reported. When their attempts were unsuccessful, Rupkey reportedly took control of the car and, in an effort to free the child, drove over her again, causing additional harm. The injured girl was transported to the hospital by helicopter following this action.
The girl is currently still hospitalized in stable condition.
Overton ISD expressed on a Facebook post their gratitude for the swift actions of local first responders, adding, “Our hearts are with the young girl and her family during this very difficult time.” Authorities confirmed none of the individuals present on Saturday were residents or students of Overton.
An arrest warrant was issued for Rupkey on the charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. She was apprehended by U.S. Marshals on Tuesday, with a bond set at $150,000, and is currently held at Smith County Jail.
