GRIMES COUNTY, TX– On the evening of Sunday, October 19, 2025, at approximately 7:07 p.m., the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a white male trespassing at a residence off FM 1696 in Bedias. The caller stated that the man, described as wearing black shorts and no shirt, appeared to be experiencing a possible mental health episode.

Deputies were advised that the individual may have been in possession of a pistol in his pocket. Additional reports from area residents indicated that the same person had knocked on several doors earlier in the day asking for a shirt. Witnesses also said the man was avoiding State Highway 90, telling others there were “too many cops.”

Deputies patrolled the Bedias area throughout the night but were unable to locate the individual.

On the morning of October 20, 2025, at approximately 9:11 a.m., dispatch received another call reporting a suspicious vehicle located on private property near County Road 115. The caller stated that a black Cadillac Escalade had been found on pastureland and was possibly stolen. Deputies were dispatched to the scene.

At approximately 10:10 a.m., Constable Precinct 1 James Ellis advised that he had received information from residents that the subject had been seen at Smiley’s in Bedias. Constable Ellis went to Smiley’s to obtain video surveillance. Shortly afterward, Constable Ellis reported that the subject had returned to Smiley’s. Units responded to the area, and the individual was detained at 10:12 a.m.

Deputies were informed that the suspect claimed to have hidden a firearm near Smiley’s but refused to disclose its location. At approximately 10:43 a.m., deputies recovered a firearm described as an Astra .357-caliber revolver.

Further investigation revealed that the suspect, identified as Brandon Ashley, was wanted out of Johnson County for Homicide. The vehicle he was operating was also connected to that warrant.

At 11:34 a.m., Ashley was transported to the emergency room for medical evaluation and treatment. Following his evaluation, he will be booked into the Grimes County Jail.

The Grimes County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank Constable Precinct 1 James Ellis, assisting agencies, and local residents for their cooperation during this incident.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Grimes County Sheriff’s Office at 936-873-2151 or submit a tip through P3tips.com.