Lufkin man gets probation for fleeing after accident and shooting driver

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) – A Lufkin man agreed to probation Tuesday for his involvement in a shooting following a hit-and-run crash in December.

Michael Charles Ricks, 43, was one of two suspects arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash in Lufkin on Dec. 9, 2023. According to the victim in the incident, Ricks and his co-defendant fled the scene of the crash and then shot the victim after being chased. On Tuesday, Ricks accepted a deal of seven years' probation for his involvement in the incident in Judge Todd Kassaw's court.

When Ricks was arrested in December, he and his co-defendant, Howard Earl Griffin of Lufkin, were charged with inciting the incident against Jatarious Land. Most of the incident was overheard by the 911 operator over the phone, including Land's statement that one of the men had a gun and several shots fired in rapid succession.

Ricks was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and Griffin was charged with accident causing vehicle damage and unlawful possession of a firearm. Griffin's final court hearing was scheduled for August 2, with no further dates set.

In addition to his probation, Ricks was fined $1,000 and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service. He will also receive drug evaluation and treatment and anger management counseling.

Related:

2 Lufkin men arrested in connection with hit-and-run shooting

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