Suspect drowns trying to flee authorities in Simms Bayou

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A Houston police dive team has found the body of a suspected car thief in Simms Bayou in southeast Houston.

Shortly before 11am, a citizen reported a suspect driving a white Ford F-250 pickup that appeared to be stolen along Highway 225. The key hole had been punched out, and the driver was using a towel in an effort not to leave fingerprints. The suspect was reported to Harris County Precinct 3, and deputies spotted the truck on Loop 610 at Clinton and tried to initiate a traffic stop.

The driver fled the scene down Highway 225 to Goodyear Drive, where he drove off the road and down the embankment. He stopped just short of the water's edge, jumped out of vehicle and into the water, attempting to swim across the bayou.

The suspect got about 15 feet from the other side when he got into trouble, started screaming for help and went under water. A Precinct 3 deputy jumped in and tried to save the man but was unsuccessful.

The HPD Dive team was called and recovered the body around 1:10pm. The suspect was located in about 15 feet of water. The dive team says there was no current, but visibility under the water was zero.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, with no identification.

Houston police are continuing the investigation.