MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – Montgomery County deputies pulled a theft suspect from a burning car after a chase ended in a crash.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office shared video of the rescue. They said deputies responded to a theft call at the Walmart and saw the suspect fleeing the store on foot.
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The suspect reportedly jumped in a vehicle and took off, leading deputies on a chase.
Driving recklessly, according to the sheriff’s office, the suspect headed north at a high rate of speed on I-69 before exiting at FM 1485. As he approached the intersection, the sheriff’s office says he lost control while trying to turn eastbound, crossed a median before colliding with another vehicle. The suspect’s vehicle crossed another curb before striking a Chase Bank sign and catching fire.
Initially, deputies were unable to open the driver’s side door because of damage from the crash. One deputy entered through the passenger side and unlocked the driver’s door before other deputies removed the suspect from the vehicle.
The fire intensified and the vehicle started to explode. Deputies moved the suspect as far as possible from the vehicle, cleared patrol vehicles from the area, and made access available for responding fire and EMS personnel.
Texas DPS is investigating the crash.
The suspect, identified as 53-year-old Michael BeBawi, has prior arrests related to theft, theft-related offenses, and resisting arrest.
He is currently in the Montgomery County Jail, charged with evading in a vehicle and theft.