HOUSTON – For the first time, Channel 2 viewers were able to see dramatic “behind the scenes" dashcam and body camera video of a police chase that was punctuated by gunfire and ended with a man jumping into the Brazos River.
Police pursued the man, later identified at Jose Orta, from Houston to Brazoria County where he jumped into the river in his final bid to get away.
Deputies and officers from multiple agencies worked hard for almost an hour to pull him out.
On the video, it’s clear the conditions were treacherous.
[WATCH: Raw body cam video of moments at Brazos River]
“Be careful,“ one officer can be heard saying on the video. “It’s like quicksand.”
Rescuers braced themselves with rope tied to tree branches, being careful not to slip down the steep embankment.
Eventually, they were able to pull Orta out and take him into custody.
“Don’t run, all right?” one officer said. “Stay down on the ground.”
Police said Orta pointed a gun out the window and fired several shots at them during the chase.
He is now being held without bail.
