SPLENDORA, Texas – A failed attempt to steal a church van ended in the carjacking of two vehicles in the Splendora area, police said.
Just before 8 p.m. Thursday, a man entered a church property to attend service on Dallie Sue and FM 2090 when instead he attempted to steal a church van, according to police.
After a failed attempt, the man, now identified as Kevin Chambers, 34, saw a vehicle occupied by two women and carjacked them, police said.
Officers said Chambers pulled the driver out of the seat and took off with the passenger still in the vehicle.
He went south on Hwy 59 at a high rate of speed, police said. When Chambers reached the intersection of FM 1314 and US Highway 59, police said he slowed down and pushed the 64-year-old passenger out.
According to police, Chambers continued to drive to a Kroger near Northpark, where he left the vehicle and made his way into the Ravella Apartments property, where he stole another vehicle.
Chambers drove the second stolen vehicle to another church, where he walked inside and started to pray, police said.
Authorities caught up to him at the second church. Chambers was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, unlawful restraint and robbery.
Police said neither of the victims were injured and that Chambers appeared to be suffering a mental crisis at the time of the incident.
His bond was set at $83,000.