Suspect killed, 2 hostages rescued after dangerous chase ends on Southwest Freeway

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Southwest Freeway remained closed northbound near Hillcroft Monday night due to a police chase that ended with shots fired on Monday afternoon.

Houston police say a man kidnapped his wife and child at gunpoint earlier in the day after an assault was reported Sunday.

Authorities said they tracked down the man's vehicle and attempted a traffic stop before the suspect fled, sparking a chase.

During the pursuit, the suspect fired shots out the vehicle's window at police two times, HPD Chief J. Noe Diaz Jr. said.

Cell phone video, shared only with ABC13, showed a slow-speed chase on Hillcroft near Gulfton. At one point, a tactical unit followed close behind the black Toyota 4-Runner with the driver's side door open.

At about 4:30 p.m., the suspect entered the Southwest Freeway.

With the danger escalating, HPD said officers used a PIT maneuver to end the chase.

Three officers fired their weapons, striking the suspect, and pulled the woman and child to safety.

"Police did an outstanding job," Chief Diaz, said. "I can't thank them enough because it's real-time."

According to authorities, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, and both hostages are safe.

Eyewitness News is continuing to gather facts on the story.

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