Deputy Nearly Struck as Driver Flees Traffic Stop, Leads Police on 100-MPH Chase Into Houston

SPRING, Texas – A routine traffic stop escalated into a high-speed pursuit Wednesday morning after a driver allegedly fled from a deputy and nearly struck him, authorities said.

According to the Constable Ryan Gable’s Office, a deputy with the Criminal Interdiction Unit stopped a white, four-door Chevrolet at approximately 11:30 a.m. near the 600 block of Basilica Bay Drive. The driver was identified as Eric Lee Wyatt, 21, of Missouri City.

While the deputy was speaking with Wyatt, investigators said the vehicle suddenly fled the scene, narrowly missing the deputy. Emergency lights and sirens were activated as the Chevrolet traveled through nearby business and residential areas east of Interstate 45 before entering the southbound lanes of IH-45 toward Houston.

Authorities said the vehicle was observed weaving in and out of traffic at speeds exceeding 100 miles per hour. The pursuit ended after the Chevrolet exited the main lanes at Airline Drive in Houston and collided with another vehicle. With assistance from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect vehicle was stopped a short distance away.

Wyatt was taken into custody and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a peace officer, evading arrest or detention with a motor vehicle, and possession of marijuana. No injuries were reported.

The vehicle was towed from the scene, and Wyatt was transported to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Jail.

Constable Ryan Gable’s Office thanked the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety for their assistance in safely bringing the incident to a conclusion.