Police chase uncovers human trafficking operation, 12 detained

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A wild chase ended in a bizarre way on Houston's northwest side early Tuesday morning.

Around 1am, a man called police after spotting his stolen Ford F250 truck at Clay Road and Beltway. Officers arrived and tried to pull the truck over, but the driver took off. They chased after the truck for more than four and a half miles when the truck stopped on Sowden Road near a Houston Parks and Recreation facility.

Tap/click here to see a photo gallery from the scene.

Investigators told Eyewitness News 12 people were packed in the truck. Seven of those people fled and ran into the facility yard and hid inside a mulch pile. K9 units tracked them down.

The dog bit one of the suspects. He was taken to the hospital and is expected to be OK. He will be charged with assault of a K9 officer.

Another suspect resisted arrest and was shocked by a police officer's Taser. He was not taken to the hospital. He is charged with assault of a police officer.

Lt. Larry Crowson said the case is being handled as a case of human trafficking. There were 10 adult males, one adult female and a juvenile male in the truck. Authorities are not sure where they are from.

The driver of the truck faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and felony evading.