March 12, 2025
(McKinney, Texas) – Collin County District Attorney Greg Willis announced today that convicted predator Tyler Wakefield, 27, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison following a series of escalating attacks on women. Wakefield stalked, ambushed, and attempted to assault multiple victims across Collin County before his arrest.
Wakefield Attacked Woman in Apartment Complex Before Fleeing
On July 22, 2022, a woman visiting a friend’s Plano apartment was ambushed by Wakefield in the parking lot. He forced her into a stairwell and attempted to tear off her clothing. His assault was only interrupted when a passing car and a resident arriving home startled him. Before fleeing, Wakefield stole the victim’s phone to prevent her from calling 911—then smashed it on the ground.
But his arrogance proved to be his downfall. Just hours later, Wakefield returned to the same complex, where the victim and witnesses captured a photo of his license plate, leading investigators directly to him.
Law Enforcement Surveillance Catches Wakefield Stalking More Women
Plano Police launched an urgent surveillance operation after Wakefield’s attack. Over the following weeks, detectives observed Wakefield following a female jogger in Anna, hiding behind cars as he trailed lone women in parking lots, and ultimately closing in on a woman near an apartment complex in Allen—only to be stopped just in time by law enforcement.
Plano Police Detectives Carlos Harwell and Catherine Foreman led the investigation. Harwell testified at sentencing about Wakefield’s repeated stalking, and Foreman conducted the interrogation that led to his guilty plea.
Judge Sentences Wakefield After Evidence of Escalating Attacks
Wakefield pleaded guilty to robbery and went before Judge Kim Laseter for sentencing. The court heard chilling testimony about his escalating violence toward women:
• Multiple physical and sexual assaults against women.
• An aggravated assault with a vehicle, where he rammed a woman’s car—twice—while her child was inside, then continued chasing her until police intervened.
• Repeated stalking behavior, where he hunted for potential victims in public spaces.
Judge Laseter sentenced Wakefield to 15 years in prison. The punishment range for robbery is 2 to 20 years or probation.
DA Greg Willis: “A Brave Victim and Outstanding Police Work Took This Predator Off Our Streets”
“Wakefield was a serial predator who stalked, attacked, and terrorized women in their own communities. Thanks to a courageous victim and outstanding police work, he was stopped before he could do even more harm. No woman should have to live in fear of being hunted like prey. This sentence ensures he won’t be able to target another victim for a long time.”
Assistant Criminal District Attorneys Alyssa Mattingly and Baileigh Hale prosecuted the case, with support from DA Investigator Mike Bennett and Victim Assistance Coordinator Valerie Miller.
####
