HOUSTON — Two suspects are in custody following an auto-theft incident that led to an officer shooting at one suspect along the East Freeway Wednesday afternoon, according to the Houston Police Department.
HPD Assistant Chief Megan Howard said everything unfolded around 12:30 p.m. just east of Mercury Road outside the 610 Loop.
Howard said members of multiple law enforcement agencies were conducting a "proactive investigation" looking for auto thieves.
Throughout this investigation, officers encountered suspects exhibiting "pre-theft behavior," according to Howard.
Undercover officers conducted surveillance and after some time, an SUV pulled into a parking lot off the East Freeway in Jacinto City and parked next to a truck.
One of the suspects in the SUV got out and within seconds, both the SUV and the truck tried to leave the parking lot.
Howard said the suspect in the SUV tried to leave and was blocked by an officer in an unmarked vehicle. The armed officer got out of the vehicle and tried to get the suspect to comply, but they refused.
The suspect began to drive towards the officer and that's when the officer fired his weapon two times, according to Howard.
The suspect left the vehicle and ran away, crossed multiple lanes of the East Freeway, the service road and eventually ran into a neighborhood.
"This was a very chaotic scene," Howard said.
The suspect in the freshly stolen truck was able to leave the scene and led officers on a chase north on Highway 59. Humble police joined in.
The suspect eventually stopped and was taken into custody. The stolen vehicle was recovered and taken back to the original scene.
Howard said the suspect in the SUV was found in a garage or shed near Duncum Street and was arrested.
No suspects or officers were injured.
Jacinto City police, Houston police and the Harris County District Attorney's Office will investigate this case.
The officer who fired shots will be placed on administrative leave and bodycam footage will be released within 30 days, as per HPD policy.
Howard said it is believed these suspects are linked to other auto-theft incidents.