Gang member arrested after chase ends in shootout with Harris Co. deputy

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- An alleged gang member is in custody after a chase that led to a gun battle with a deputy on Houston's east side.

Around 6 p.m. Monday, Harris County sheriff's deputies say the suspect led them on a chase, before stopping his car on the East Freeway and Uvalde.

Deputies attempted to stop the suspect because he was wanted for several felony warrants including aggravated robbery, aggravated assault and kidnapping.

He assaulted his girlfriend in the days before the shootout and a charge was filed for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to Houston police. He kidnapped her, but she was able to get away.

According to HPD, the suspect was out on bond for three aggravated robbery warrants and is a known gang member.

Police say after the suspect stopped his car in the 12000 block of the East Freeway, he ran across all lanes on the freeway.

The suspect ran to a hotel and crouched behind a vehicle, where he waited for the deputy to arrive on foot. When the deputy approached, the suspect opened fire, officials said.

The deputy returned fire, and that's when the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody.

Neither the deputy nor the suspect was injured in the shootout. Houston police say a Taser was used on the suspect and he was taken to the hospital to be checked out for elevated blood pressure.

"Officers really try their best and in this particular situation, we're very fortunate that no one else was hurt," Assistant Chief Chandra Hatcher said. "It's a busy freeway, but they did their job and they used their tactics to enhance and maximize everyone's safety."