Chase suspect who jumped into Brazos River says muddy past caused him to run
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The suspect who led authorities on a chase last week in Brazoria County is speaking exclusively to abc13, explaining why he ran.
Jose Orta says he was already on parole when he gave chase March 28. It started on West Orem near Almeda and cut through construction zones and rural property in Brazoria County. During the chase, he pointed a shotgun out the window, and at some point a tire blew. He kept going. Finally, he ditched the car and jumped into the Brazos River, where he became stuck and was rescued by authorities.
From inside the Harris County jail Tuesday, he told Eyewitness News the whole thing started with him doing some work on the pickup. Police say he was riding with the truck's owner when they were pulled over. The driver was arrested on two felony warrants. Police say while they took the driver into custody, Orta got in the driver's seat and took off.
Orta says he'd found out there were guns in the truck. He was already on parole so he panicked and took off.
He tells Eyewitness News he was trying to get to the ranch next to where he ended up. He says there's a pastor there that he trusts and that he was trying to talk to about what happened.
When he jumped into the river, Orta says he wanted to get to the other side but just got out. While he was in the water, he says he tried to empty his pockets. He ended up losing everything but his drawers.
Police say they found two shotguns and drugs in the pickup. He faces two drug charges, one gun possession charge, and one for evading arrest. His criminal history includes possession of a controlled substance, aggravated kidnapping, assault causing bodily injury and DWI.
Orta tells us he has an ex-wife and six kids. He feels bad for them and wishes this never would've happened.
OTHER RECENT POLICE CHASES:
Police chase ends with violent crash in NE Harris County last week
East Houston police chase suspect says he ran because he was 'high'
