Thorndale, Texas

From the Cameron Herald of September 8, 2006

Thorndale Resident Charged In Early Morning Burglary Attempt

The Milam County Sheriff's Office responded to an early morning call in progress at 4325 CR 443, at 12:32 a.m. this morning.

Vincent Llanas, 24, of Thorndale reported that there was a male at the door attempting to gain entry into his home. Deputy Russell Abel, Deputy Ken Johnson and Thorndale police officer Wade Boedeker responded to the call.

Llanas advised the Sheriff's dispatcher on 911 that he was inside with his wife and three small children. During the conversation, Llanas reported that the male had broken out a window on the front door, and reached inside and was unlocking the door to gain entry into the home.

It was at this point that Llanas discharged one round from a .12 gauge shotgun at the door from inside his residence. The debris from the blast injured the suspects face and chest.

The suspect, identified as Joel Warren Simank, 30, of Thorndale, then fled the scene in a vehicle. He was stopped near Turkey Creek by Thorndale police officer Wade Boedeker and taken into custody. Simank was then transported by Thorndale EMS to John's Community Hospital where he was treated and released to the custody of Deputy Russell Abel.

Another suspect with Simank at the time of the incident, Dale Ray Lerche, 26, of Lexington was found later in the morning walking back to Thorndale in the 600 Blk. of North 3rd St. He was taken into custody by Investigator Greg Kouba and Deputy Ken Johnson for public intoxication. Charges against him, in relation to this incident are not expected at this time.

Simank was transported to the Milam County Jail where he remains, charged with burglary of a habitation with intent to commit a felony. Bond will be set later this morning.

The case is being investigated by Deputy Abel and Sheriff's investigator Greg Kouba. No charges were filed against Llanas at this time, and the case is now being forwarded to the Milam Country District Attorney Kerry Spears for review.