Chase involving driver in stolen pickup truck ends in fiery crash near Galleria area, police say

HOUSTON – Officers with the Houston Police Department are investigating after they said a chase involving a stolen vehicle ended in a fiery crash near the Galleria area Monday.

Police were called around 5:33 a.m. for reports about a stolen pickup truck. Officers said when they tried to conduct a traffic stop on a driver in a Chevrolet Silverado, the 23-year-old suspect took off and a pursuit ensued.

The truck ran a red light at Fountain View, officers said. Spikes were thrown down at Westheimer and Augusta and police said the suspect ran over them. He continued and struck a vehicle at Sage and W. Alabama, investigators said.

According to police, the driver hit a pole and the cab split from the bed of the truck. Police said it then hit another pole and caught on fire.

Officers said the suspect was alert and talking when he was pulled out of the vehicle. He was taken to a hospital and faces two felony charges-- unlawful use of a vehicle and evading arrest.