Manhunt Underway for Sidney Blake Murphrey After Multi-County Chase, Vehicle Thefts, and Threats in East Texas
Livingston, TX — A dangerous manhunt is ongoing for Sidney Blake Murphrey, an 18-year-old from Livingston, after a chaotic series of events starting early Monday morning involving a police chase, vehicle thefts, and brazen threats against the community.
Background: Repeat Offender with Multiple Vehicle Pursuits
Murphrey is no stranger to law enforcement. This incident marks at least his second high-speed chase involving multiple counties. According to EastTexasNews.com, Murphrey previously led police on a lengthy pursuit spanning Polk, Liberty, and San Jacinto counties, which also ended in a crash and his arrest.
Earlier reports detailed a similar scenario where Murphrey evaded police but was ultimately apprehended after a dangerous chase through East Texas (KETK News).
His pattern of reckless fleeing and vehicle theft underscores a persistent threat to public safety.
The Beginning: High-Speed Chase and Crashes
Between 8 and 9 a.m. Monday (June 2, 2025) morning, Murphrey crashed his truck while fleeing police in the Romayor area of Liberty County. Police responded immediately to the scene, but the situation quickly escalated.
While Liberty County officers were present, Murphrey ran from the crash site and stole an ATV from a nearby yard. He managed to travel approximately 100 feet before crashing the ATV.
Theft of the Dodge Caravan and Missed Opportunity
In a desperate attempt to escape, Murphrey then stole a black Dodge Caravan parked in a driveway—belonging to a homeowner who was preparing to leave for a dental appointment and had left the keys inside the vehicle. Liberty County Police chose not to pursue the van once Murphrey crossed the county line into Polk County.
Despite having video footage capturing the incident and knowing the suspect’s identity and possible destination in Goodrich, Liberty County officials have not attempted to apprehend Murphrey in Polk County.
Social Media Pressure and Van Recovery
After a full day with no law enforcement recovery efforts, the van’s owner took matters into their own hands, pressuring Murphrey through social media to return the stolen vehicle. Murphrey initially denied involvement but later sent threats claiming he would burn the van if posts asking for its return were not removed.
Thanks to multiple public tips on Facebook, the van was eventually spotted abandoned on the side of Highway 59 in Goodrich, not far from Murphrey’s suspected hideout. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office efficiently recovered the vehicle, finding it stripped, spray-painted, and vandalized. It was recovered on Wednesday morning around 9am.
Spray-painted on the van’s rear was the chilling message:
“I want my shit back” — a direct reference to the owner’s repeated messages to Murphrey.
Inside, investigators found messages carved into the vehicle demanding the return of Murphrey’s original truck, indicating he was attempting to negotiate or intimidate authorities. The van was hastily reassembled with makeshift parts including a lawnmower battery left inside to keep it running, and the key was left inside as well.
Alarming Threats and Ongoing Danger
While the van was being recovered, Murphrey sent messages describing the recovery team’s appearance and movements, implying he was watching their every move. His tone in these messages was erratic and threatening.
Current reports indicate that Murphrey remains at large, believed to be hiding with accomplices—possibly including an individual named Alicia—at a residence in Goodrich. Liberty County law enforcement has admitted to knowing his whereabouts but has refrained from pursuit due to jurisdictional limits.
Law Enforcement and Community Response: A Call for Action
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has been praised for their swift recovery of the van and ongoing efforts to locate Murphrey. However, serious questions remain about the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office’s failure to attempt capture despite possessing critical information.
If the van owner had not applied intense social media pressure, the stolen vehicle may never have been recovered, leaving a potential hazard on public roads and a dangerous suspect free to continue fleeing. Thanks goes out to those who reported the van sighting and those who followed through and called the tip in to recover it.
Public Safety Warning and Appeal
Murphrey now carries active warrants in both Liberty and Polk counties, a revoked bond, and remains a highly dangerous individual. The community is urged not to approach him if spotted and to immediately contact law enforcement.
This situation has already resulted in lost property, wasted valuable time, and heightened public risk. It is imperative that local authorities and residents unite to bring Murphrey and any associates to justice before further harm occurs.
Important Contacts
- Polk County Sheriff’s Office:
- Liberty County Sheriff’s Office:
- Emergency: 911
Visuals Included in This Report
- Photo of Sidney Blake Murphrey (social media images)
- Image of stolen Dodge Caravan with “I want my shit back” spray paint
- Screenshots of threatening social media messages
- Timeline graphic of the chase and theft events
