Tow Truck Driver Arrested After Crashing Into Bellaire Police Unit During Pursuit

BELLAIRE, Texas – A tow truck driver was arrested after allegedly crashing into a Bellaire police patrol vehicle while officers were assisting the Houston Police Department with a vehicle pursuit, authorities said.

According to the Bellaire Police Department, the incident occurred on July 18 after Houston police initiated a vehicle pursuit that entered the City of Bellaire before continuing west of the city.

Bellaire officers responded to assist the lone Houston police officer after the occupants of the fleeing vehicle abandoned their vehicle on Mullins Street and fled on foot.

While searching for the suspects, Acting Sgt. Hintz was driving a fully marked 2026 Bellaire patrol vehicle with its emergency lights activated.

Police said that as Hintz traveled through the intersection of Evergreen Street and Alder Drive, his patrol vehicle was struck by a tow truck traveling at a high rate of speed.

Investigators determined the tow truck driver, identified as Donald Charles, failed to stop at the two-way stop sign while attempting to reach the scene of the police pursuit.

Charles was arrested and charged with reckless driving. He was transported to the Bellaire Jail.

Authorities did not report any injuries related to the crash, and no additional information was immediately released.