Chief Art Acevedo told ABC13 that they balance the risk of letting a suspect go, with the risk that each pursuit poses a threat to the public.
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"I can tell you (that) I monitor the radio when I hear a pursuit. I'm not afraid or hesitant to call it off if it's a traffic violation," Acevedo said.
Acevedo said 85 to 90% of the drivers who flee are wanted for other crimes.
The three chases on Monday night were no exception.
Police said one suspect was carrying an illegal weapon, a second suspect was wanted for outstanding warrants in Harris County, and the third suspect was driving a stolen car.
An innocent person was injured in two of the crashes.
"One, is one too many," Acevedo said.
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He added that the department will not halt police pursuits, even as they rise from about two a day to three a day.
"Over 90% of them go without a hitch, without anyone getting hurt, without any crashes," Acevedo said.
During another pursuit Monday afternoon, two women led police on a short chase, but eventually gave up and peacefully surrendered on Highway 59.
Acevedo says he's hopeful that one day advanced car technology would allow police officers to remotely disable a car during a pursuit.
"Sooner than people realize, we're going to be able to bring these pursuits to a conclusion rather than having to chase these folks."
In every chase last night, the suspected driver was caught and arrested.
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