Houston, Texas, January 5, 2026
A dangerous police chase in Houston involving a military-style tractor-trailer concluded early Monday after a 75-minute pursuit initiated by an off-duty deputy constable witnessing a hit-and-run crash. The driver struck around 10 vehicles before the chase began, which resulted in the closure of the Eastex Freeway. Law enforcement utilized spike strips and gas to safely apprehend a 53-year-old man, who faces multiple charges including aggravated assault. Fortunately, no injuries were reported among deputies or civilians following the initial accident.
Houston
A dangerous police pursuit involving a military-style tractor-trailer concluded early Monday morning in northeast Harris County, after an hour-long chase that spanned multiple roadways and led to the closure of the Eastex Freeway. The incident began late Sunday after an off-duty deputy constable observed a hit-and-run crash that resulted in injuries.
The chase started just before 10 p.m. Sunday when the suspect, driving the military-style vehicle, refused to stop for deputies attempting a traffic stop. The pursuit lasted approximately 75 minutes, with the suspect striking about 10 vehicles before the chase commenced. Law enforcement agencies from across the area were involved in the extensive pursuit.
During the chase, deputies deployed spike strips multiple times in an effort to stop the vehicle. At one point, a deputy discharged a firearm, but the suspect was not hit and continued driving. Authorities stated that the driver attempted to ram sheriff’s deputies multiple times.
The pursuit eventually ended on the Eastex Freeway near Little York, where law enforcement used gas to force the driver out of the vehicle. A 53-year-old man was taken into custody by SWAT. Charges against him include several instances of aggravated assault and evading. No deputies or civilians were injured after the initial hit-and-run. The mainlanes of the Eastex Freeway were shut down for several hours overnight and reopened at 4:19 a.m. Monday. Cell phone video captured portions of the chase as it unfolded. The motive for the suspect’s actions is currently unknown.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What led to the police chase in Houston?
- The chase began after an off-duty deputy constable witnessed a hit-and-run crash that resulted in injuries just before 10 p.m. Sunday. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to pull over, triggering the lengthy pursuit.
- What kind of vehicle was involved in the chase?
- The chase involved a military-style tractor-trailer.
- Where and when did the police chase end?
- The chase concluded early Monday morning on the Eastex Freeway near Little York in northeast Harris County. The mainlanes of the Eastex Freeway reopened at 4:19 a.m. Monday.
- What actions did law enforcement take during the pursuit?
- During the 75-minute chase, deputies deployed spike strips multiple times. A deputy discharged their firearm at one point, but the suspect was not hit. Law enforcement surrounded the vehicle and used gas to force the driver out before taking the suspect into custody.
- Were there any injuries or damages reported?
- Authorities estimate the suspect hit about 10 vehicles before the chase even began. No deputies or civilians were injured after the initial hit-and-run.
- Who was arrested and what are the charges?
- A 53-year-old man was arrested. His charges include several instances of aggravated assault and evading.
Key Details of the Houston Police Chase
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Event | Houston, Texas, ending in northeast Harris County |
| Date and Time | Started just before 10 p.m. Sunday (Jan 4, 2026), ended early Monday morning (Jan 5, 2026) |
| Duration of Chase | Over an hour, approximately 75 minutes |
| Vehicle Involved | Military-style tractor-trailer |
| Origin of Chase | Off-duty deputy constable witnessed a hit-and-run crash |
| Freeway Affected | Eastex Freeway (closed mainlanes) |
| Damage/Injuries | Approximately 10 vehicles hit before chase; no deputies or civilians injured after initial hit-and-run |
| Law Enforcement Tactics | Spike strips, firearm discharge (no hits), gas deployment, SWAT involvement |
| Arrested Suspect | 53-year-old man |
| Charges | Aggravated assault, evading |
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Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
