Suspect Hospitalized After 145 MPH Pursuit Ends in Fiery Crash Near San Jacinto River
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A high-speed pursuit that began in Harris County during the early morning hours ended in a crash and vehicle fire near the San Jacinto River, with the suspect hospitalized in serious condition.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office served as the primary agency in the pursuit and remains the lead investigating agency.
As the chase moved into Montgomery County, the Splendora Police Department Criminal Interdiction Unit assisted partner agencies. Authorities said the suspect reached speeds of up to 145 mph, causing multiple pursuing units to temporarily lose visual contact with the vehicle.
Splendora CIU units were able to re-establish contact and assume the primary position in the pursuit, maintaining it until the suspect ultimately crashed.
Investigators later learned the suspect has an extensive history of evading law enforcement and was wanted in connection with a prior evading incident at the time of the pursuit.
The chase involved coordinated efforts from several agencies, including the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, the Splendora Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety, which provided aircraft support.
During the pursuit, tire deflation devices were deployed. Despite traveling on damaged tires, the suspect continued driving. The vehicle later caught fire but continued moving before crashing into a ravine near the river.
After the crash, the suspect was taken into custody and EMS was requested. During a medical assessment, authorities determined the suspect had sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the lower jaw. The suspect was transported to a local hospital in serious condition. The vehicle was destroyed by fire.
Officials said the incident highlights the importance of inter-agency coordination and trained interdiction units in bringing a dangerous situation to a controlled conclusion while prioritizing public safety.
