HOUSTON -- A driver who saw his car being stolen shot at the thieves and chased them until a shootout caused an accident early Tuesday, officials told News2Houston.

The crime spree happened in northwest Harris County on Highway 249 at Houston-Rosslyn Road around 2:30 a.m.

Detectives said a man saw two men trying to steal his car at his apartment complex.

"He exited his apartment, and fired twice at the suspects as they were stealing his vehicle. Then, (he) gained a weapon and went back to his other vehicle and pursued the suspects in his vehicle," said Sgt. Dennis Brown, with the Harris County Sheriff's Department.

The chase lasted approximately three miles until a shootout broke out.

"He stated that he was shot at as he chased his stolen car and he returned fire with his weapon, striking one of the suspects," Brown said.

One of the suspects was shot in the face, causing him to wreck the stolen car and go to a nearby restaurant for help, officials said. He was taken to Ben Taub Hospital, where he is listed in critical condition.

The other suspectturned himself in about two hours later; approximately the same time detectives found a gun between the two crime scenes, according to authorities.

No one else was injured.

There's no word yet on which charges the car thieves could face. The owner of the stolen car will not be charged, according to authorities.