A dangerous police chase stretching across multiple roadways ended overnight in northeast Harris County, after deputies say a suspect driving a military-style tractor-trailer refused to stop and hit multiple vehicles. The chase shut down the mainlanes of the Eastex Freeway for several hours overnight before reopening at 4:19 a.m. Monday. According to deputies, the pursuit lasted more than an hour and began after an off-duty deputy constable spotted a hit-and-run crash that resulted in injuries. Authorities estimate the suspect hit about 10 vehicles before the chase even began.
The hour-and-15-minute chase came to an end on the Eastex Freeway near Parker Road, where law enforcement finally managed to stop the suspect after DPS shot out the tires.
Cell phone video captured portions of the chase, which deputies say started just before 10 p.m. Sunday. Authorities say when deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, triggering the lengthy chase. During the 75-minute chase, deputies deployed spike strips multiple times in an effort to stop the suspect. At one point, deputies say the driver briefly stopped near Beltway 8 and Garrett, where a deputy discharged their firearm. Authorities say the suspect was not hit and continued driving. The chase went through Northeast Harris County down C.E. King Parkway to Beaumont Highway. Then to 610, down to I-10. At Waco Street, the truck exited and continued north to Tidwell and west to I-69. Troopers were able to shoot the tires out, but the truck continued north to Parker Road. It was at that point that SWAT was called out, and with the threat of shots being fired, I-69 was closed in both directions. HCSO deployed a drone, which showed the driver sitting in the truck, smoking a cigarette. This is due to the threat of crossfire. Deputies say the suspect attempted to ram sheriff’s deputies multiple times during the chase, forming the basis for several aggravated assault charges. During the pursuit, speeds never got over 25mph, leading law enforcement to believe the driver was unable to get the truck out of first gear.
After the vehicle stopped, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team arrived and attempted to make verbal contact with the suspect. When that failed, deputies deployed gas, which was effective in taking the suspect into custody.
The suspect was taken into custody without injuries, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. “He’s a 53-year-old Hispanic male, there are no injuries, he was not struck by gunfire, nor was he injured there’s no further danger to the community,” HCSO Chief Deputy Thomas Diaz said. Deputies say the suspect is facing multiple aggravated assault charges and attempted capital murder of a police officer as well as evading. As of now, authorities say there is no known motive.
Deputies added they are thankful no officers or civilians were seriously injured. The investigation remains ongoing on Monday morning.
