Deputies were led on a more than hour-long chase late Sunday after a military-style truck fled the scene of a hit-and-run and tore through parts of Harris County and Houston before stopping on the Eastex Freeway.
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began just before 10 p.m. on Jan. 4 when an off-duty Precinct 4 constable deputy witnessed a hit-and-run crash with injuries.
That deputy called for help, and within minutes, sheriff’s deputies located the suspect vehicle, described as a military style tractor trailer with no license plates.
When deputies attempted a traffic stop, investigators say the driver refused to pull over. That decision triggered a pursuit that would last more than an hour.
Deputies say the chase moved through several major roadways and neighborhoods.
During the pursuit, deputies deployed spike strips multiple times in an effort to stop the vehicle. At one point near Beltway 8 and Garrett Road, the truck briefly came to a stop. A deputy fired one round, but authorities say it did not stop the driver.
The pursuit continued into east Houston, reaching Interstate 10 near Waco Street before turning north and looping back toward the Eastex Freeway.
Department of Public Safety troopers joined the chase as it moved through multiple jurisdictions. Authorities say troopers also fired rounds in an attempt to disable the vehicle, but those efforts were unsuccessful.
Despite visible damage, deputies say the driver continued moving through traffic.
Authorities estimate the suspect struck at least ten vehicles before the pursuit even began. During the chase itself, deputies say the driver attempted to ram several law enforcement vehicles.
Investigators say those actions are now a key part of the criminal case.
Eventually, the tractor-trailer came to a stop just south of Little York on the main lanes of U.S. 59 North.
Once the vehicle stopped, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team responded.
Deputies attempted to make verbal contact with the suspect, but those efforts failed. Authorities then deployed gas, which investigators say led to the suspect surrendering.
Chief Deputy Tommy Diaz said the suspect was taken into custody without injuries.
“We did deploy gas, which was effective. We do have the suspect in custody. 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,” Diaz said.
Investigators say he did not have a weapon and did not fire at deputies during the pursuit.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office has been notified. Deputies say expected charges include multiple counts of aggravated assault on a peace officer, evading arrest, and charges related to the original hit and run.
The sheriff’s office credited DPS, the Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 7, the Houston Police Department, and Houston Fire for assisting during the pursuit and response.
Investigators are still working to learn more about where the vehicle came from, why it had no license plates, and what led up to the original hit and run.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.