Suspect in custody after dangerous rush-hour chase
HOUSTON
SkyEye HD was over the scene as the driver, indentified as 46-year-old Roy Salmon, led authorities on a high-speed chase that lasted more than 30 minutes.
The chase started around 5:30pm on Cullen in Pearland as a routine traffic stop by the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office, but police say Salmon fled because he allegedly had drugs in his vehicle.
Other law enforcement agencies joined in the pursuit of the 2003 red Saturn SUV, which first sped northbound on Highway 288, then onto Highway 59 southbound. The vehicle exited the freeway at Newcastle and drove west on Richmond throughout parts southwest Houston.
SkyEye HD caught Salmon making several turns and darting in and out of oncoming traffic. He shot across traffic and missed a pedestrian by mere inches. Minutes later, an officer smashed into the back of the SUV, hoping to end the chase but it just sent the SUV into oncoming traffic.
Salmon then made his way into the Memorial area. According to SkyEye HD's Andy Bass, Salmon was traveling at speeds in excess of 75 miles per hour on Memorial Drive in west Houston.
The chase eventually ended around 6:10pm in a neighborhood cul-de-sac on Quail Creek Court in the Memorial area. Pursuing officers had their guns drawn as Salmon got out of the vehicle and surrendered. He was arrested without incident.
Police say Salmon threw out 21 pounds of marijuana during the chase and found an additional 15 pounds in the car.
Salmon is facing charges of evading and possession. He also possibly could face a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon because authorities say he allegedly slammed on his brakes so a squad car behind him would hit him.
