HOUSTON – An officer with the Houston Police Department is recovering after police said he was clipped by a patrol car while chasing down suspects in southwest Houston that were stealing catalytic converters. According to authorities, the officer sustained a minor injury.
Police said catalytic converter thefts have been a growing issue across the city. Investigators said the incident started at a vehicle lot located on Bingle and 290.
Officers at the scene said HPD’s Task Force Unit was conducting an undercover operation when they spotted three suspects that are accused of stealing catalytic converters from city vehicles.
That’s when police said the suspects took off, leading police to Wednesbury and Gessner in southwest Houston. Police said the suspects jumped out of the car and ran.
Investigators said the officer got out of the vehicle and tried to pursue the suspects on foot. Investigators believe one of the officer’s partners didn’t see him and clipped him a little bit, hitting his knee. Police said it wasn’t a major injury but he was transported to the hospital and may need a few stitches.
The three suspects involved are now in custody, police said.
Police said it costs between $2,000-$3,000 to replace a catalytic converter.