Man charged after crashing stolen box truck through gate, into runway area at Bush Airport following 66-mile chase

Karl Hollis, 35. (Constable Mark Herman’s Office)

HOUSTON – A man who was already wanted by law enforcement is now behind bars after crashing a stolen box truck through a gate at Bush Airport following a lengthy chase Monday night, according to deputies with Constable Mark Herman’s Office.

Karl Hollis, 35, has been charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, felony evading and felony criminal mischief. Hollis was booked into the Harris County Jail for the open felony warrant he had prior to the chase.

What happened

Pct. 4 deputies conducted a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle around 8:10 p.m. in the 20100 block of the North Freeway.

The driver of the suspect, identified as Hollis, did not stop, leading deputies on a 66-mile chase through south Montgomery County and back into Harris County, according to officials.

At some point during the chase, deputies were able to successfully spike the suspect’s vehicle at the JFK Airport exit, officials said. The stolen box truck continued to the airport where it drove through an entry gate into the runway area.

Hollis reportedly got out the vehicle and ran away from the area. He was later captured at the Marriott Hotel in the airport.

Suspect driving box truck crashes through gate at Bush Airport during chase, officials say (Copyright 2023 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

A bond has not been set for Hollis at this time.

Suspect’s criminal history

According to court documents, Hollis has an extensive criminal history:

- In 2008, he was charged with trespassing, evading arrest and detention, which were disposed.

- In 2016, he was charged with possession of a controlled substance, which was dismissed.

- In 2019, he was charged with burglary of a building, which was disposed.

- In 2020, he was charged with burglary of a building and unauthorize use of a vehicle, which were dismissed.

- In 2023, he was charged with theft, evading arrest and detention, unauthorize use of a vehicle, and burglary of a building.

Previous police chases:


About the Authors

Award-winning journalist, mother, YouTuber, social media guru, millennial, mentor, storyteller, University of Houston alumna and Houston-native.

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

Recommended Videos