Dallas Murder Suspect Skylar Wells Arrested After Mesquite Police Chase; Allegedly Assaults Four Officers While in Custody

 April 18, 2025 | Mesquite, Texas

A Monday morning police pursuit in Mesquite led to the arrest of 31-year-old Skylar Wells, a man now facing charges in the murder of Gerald Frazier, a respected youth football coach from Dallas. Wells, who allegedly stole a vehicle and led officers on a high-speed chase, is also accused of assaulting four police officers, including biting two, while in custody.

The Mesquite Police Chase

The dramatic series of events began when officers with the Mesquite Police Department spotted a vehicle swerving erratically along U.S. Highway 80. The car was speeding and appeared to be driven by an individual in a state of distress. As officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as Skylar Wells, fled the scene.

“We saw the vehicle swerving, and we knew something was off,” said Sgt. Curtis Phillips, a spokesperson for the Mesquite Police Department. “As soon as the pursuit began, we learned that it was a freshly stolen car from a nearby storage facility.”

Police had initially been unaware that the car was connected to a larger criminal investigation. However, as the chase continued, officers were informed that the vehicle had been stolen earlier that morning from a local storage facility on E. U.S. Highway 80. Wells drove the stolen vehicle through various residential streets before officers deployed spike strips to deflate one of the car’s tires. The deflation forced Wells to come to a halt, and he was taken into custody without further incident.

Discovery of the Murder Investigation

What initially seemed to be a routine vehicle theft investigation soon revealed far more serious implications. After Wells was apprehended and booked into the Mesquite City Jail, police learned that he was wanted in connection to the April 10, 2025, murder of Gerald Frazier, a beloved youth football coach in Dallas.

According to an arrest affidavit, Gerald Frazier, 36, had opened his home to Skylar Wells in the days leading up to the shooting. Frazier, who was known in the community for his work as a youth football coach with the Dallas Youth Football League, had offered Wells a place to stay temporarily at his home on Springview Avenue in South Dallas. However, tensions escalated when Wells began bringing unwanted traffic to the residence and causing disturbances.

Frazier reportedly told Wells that he wanted him to leave, stating that Wells’ behavior was destroying the home’s atmosphere. Witnesses say that during an argument over Frazier’s request, Wells pulled out a gun and shot Frazier multiple times, killing him. The fatal shooting occurred at approximately 11:20 a.m. on April 10.

Frazier’s death has left a deep impact on his family, friends, and the youth athletes he mentored. The arrest of Wells comes as a relief to those seeking justice for the coach’s untimely death.

Dallas Police Department Detective Melissa Givens confirmed that Wells was identified as the suspect in the murder shortly after the shooting, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. His arrest in Mesquite marked a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

Alleged Assault on Officers in Custody

However, Wells’ violent behavior did not end with the murder. Once booked into the Mesquite City Jail, Wells allegedly became combative and uncooperative, leading to multiple altercations with law enforcement officers.

According to Sgt. Phillips, Wells assaulted four officers while they attempted to process him. Two officers were bitten, and the other two sustained minor injuries during the struggle. Wells reportedly lashed out in a violent attempt to resist being restrained.

“The level of aggression displayed by this suspect was alarming,” said Sgt. Phillips. “He was immediately combative when taken into custody, and things only escalated when he was being booked. This is a tragic situation in which the suspect not only took the life of a beloved community member but also physically harmed officers trying to do their jobs.”

Wells has been charged with four counts of assault on a public servant due to the injuries inflicted on the officers. The two officers who were bitten were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment but have since been released. Fortunately, their injuries are not considered life-threatening.

Charges and Bail

Skylar Wells now faces a multitude of serious charges, including:

• Murder: For the fatal shooting of Gerald Frazier
• Vehicle Theft: For stealing the vehicle used in the Mesquite police chase
• Evading Arrest: For leading officers on a high-speed pursuit through the city of Mesquite
• Four Counts of Assault on a Public Servant: For attacking officers while in custody at the Mesquite City Jail

Wells is currently being held at the Dallas County Jail, where he is facing a total bond of $760,000. The bond amount reflects the severity of the charges against him, particularly the murder charge, which could result in a life sentence if he is convicted.

Community Reaction and Tributes to Gerald Frazier

The murder of Gerald Frazier has devastated the local community, particularly those involved in youth sports. Frazier was not only a dedicated coach but also a mentor to many children in the Dallas area. His sudden death has left a void in the lives of his players, their families, and his colleagues at the Dallas Youth Football League.

“Coach Frazier was the heart and soul of our football program,” said Randy Clark, a fellow coach at the league. “He showed up for every practice, every game. He was more than a coach—he was a father figure to many of these kids. His loss is immeasurable.”

Family and friends of Frazier have been vocal in their desire for justice, holding vigils and memorials in his honor. Local leaders, including Dallas Mayor [Insert Name], have also expressed their condolences.

“Dallas has lost a remarkable man, and we grieve with his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched,” the mayor said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that justice is served for Gerald Frazier and for his loved ones.”

Next Steps for the Investigation

With Wells in custody, Dallas Police Department detectives are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder. Authorities are also reviewing additional evidence that could link Wells to other crimes in the area.

In the coming weeks, Wells will appear in court for preliminary hearings related to the charges against him, and the case will likely be presented to a grand jury. The murder charge carries serious penalties, and Wells could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Anyone with additional information about the case is encouraged to contact the Dallas Police Department at (214) 671-3661 or submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (214) 373-TIPS (8477).