Chase, Standoff Suspect Taken into Custody

HOUSTON - Sheriff's deputies from Harris and Montgomery counties team up on a chase, standoff, and suspect search that finally ended peacefully.

Montogmery County investigators say that the incident started in Harris County at approximately 4:15 a.m. Wednesday. Harris County deputies were responding to a report of a terroristic threat near the intersection of Interstate 45 and Rankin Road.

When deputies approached the alleged crime scene, they say the suspect drove away at a high rate of speed, which started a chase that was joined by Montgomery County deputies when it crossed the county line.

Deputies say the pursuit reached speeds of up to 120 mph. The chase also involved troopers from the Department of Public Safety and Willis police officers.

"One of our patrol officers put out spike strips in order to stop the vehicle," said Captain Rand Henderson, with the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

"We do believe it flattened one of the tires on the car and it led to him stopping right up at I-45 and Long Street."

At that location, deputies kept their distance from the suspect's car. Not knowing if the suspect was armed, they positioned themselves behind the patrol cars with guns drawn.

"We had a standoff until we were able to enmass the units that were necessary to finally take the suspect into custody," said Henderson. Officers eventually approached the car and learned that it was empty.

The suspect had run on foot into a nearby wooded area, but officers reached the suspect by cell phone and convinced him to surrender.

No gunshots were fired, but a Montgomery County Sheriff's deputy was injured in the pursuit.

"It was the officer that put the spike strips out. He was injured by the rope as the suspect's vehicle drove over the spike strips. It caused an injury to his leg," said Capt. Henderson.

The deputy was taken by ambulance to a local hospital after suffering a broken ankle.

Montgomery County deputies say they took the suspect into custody to charge him with assault on a peace officer. They say the suspect may face charges in Harris County as well.