HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Two children are home safe after police say a man stole their father’s SUV with them still inside, then led officers on a 17-mile chase through Houston that reached speeds of more than 100 mph.<\/p>\n
The suspect, Robert Gonzales, was arrested after the stolen SUV collided with another vehicle and crashed into a barrier on the East Freeway.<\/p>\n
Bayron Rodriguez, 17, was riding in the back seat of that vehicle with his brother Sunday night when the chase suddenly came crashing into them.<\/p>\n
“I was just listening to music in my own world,” Rodriguez said. “Out of nowhere, the car hits us from the side. I’m jolted awake out of nowhere.”<\/p>\n
According to Houston police, the chase began shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday in northeast Houston when Gonzales allegedly jumped into an unattended red Chevrolet Tahoe and took off.<\/p>\n
Two children, ages 2 and 12, were still inside.<\/p>\n
Police pursued the SUV for 17.5 miles, according to court records, with Gonzales allegedly reaching speeds of 110mph.<\/p>\n
The chase eventually made its way onto the East Freeway, where Rodriguez said the Tahoe came off the grass and sideswiped their truck. His brother then crashed into the rear of the stolen Tahoe, forcing it into a barrier and bringing the chase to an end, he said.<\/p>\n
“As soon as he stopped and hit the end, four cop cars surrounded us and this one cop came up to the driver with a gun pointed at him,” Rodriguez said. “It was crazy.”<\/p>\n
Gonzales was arrested. Despite the high speeds and crash, no one was seriously hurt, including the two children.<\/p>\n
Rodriguez said he was stunned when he realized a toddler had been inside the SUV during the pursuit.<\/p>\n
“I was like, I can’t believe there was a baby in the back,” he said.<\/p>\n
The children’s father tells Eyewitness News the ordeal was frightening and that he is thankful his children are safe.<\/p>\n
At the time of his arrest, Gonzales was already out on bond on four other charges, including two evading arrest cases from earlier this year.<\/p>\n
He is now back in jail facing four new charges – unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, evading arrest and two felony counts of endangering a child.<\/p>\n
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