(Stephenville, Tx) – A suspected car thief is dead following a high-speed chase in Erath County.

Stephenville Police say around 2pm. Wednesday, a 26-year-old New Mexico man allegedly stole a pick-up from Discount Wheel and Tire.  An officer spotted the stolen truck at a gas station and when he tried to approach the driver, he took off north down Hwy 281 and the chase began.  DPS Troopers were called in to help in the pursuit which ended in Morgan Mill when the suspect wrecked.

According to a release from Stephenville PD, the driver who has yet to be identified, hit a culvert and was ejected from the truck.  The man was flown to a Fort Worth hospital but died in route from his injuries.