Man Rams Bellaire Patrol Car, Charges Officers with Hammer During IH 610 Pursuit

BELLAIRE, TX — A man was arrested late Wednesday night after allegedly ramming a police vehicle and charging officers with a hammer during a pursuit on Interstate 610.

On July 23, 2025, at approximately 10:17 p.m., Bellaire Police Department officers attempted to stop a vehicle that was driving recklessly and passing on the shoulder of IH 610. The driver failed to stop, and officers initiated a pursuit. During the chase, the suspect repeatedly stopped and restarted the vehicle before turning and driving the wrong way on the highway.

According to police, the suspect then intentionally rammed a pursuing patrol vehicle. Following the crash, the man exited the vehicle and charged at officers while holding a hammer raised above his head. Officers deployed a Taser and were able to stop the assault without further injury.

The suspect, identified as Girum Abebe, was taken into custody and charged with three counts of Aggravated Assault on a Peace Officer and Evading Arrest with a Vehicle.

The officer whose vehicle was struck was transported to a hospital and has since been released.