Police chase in Pasadena ends in deadly crash

PASADENA, TX (KTRK) -- One suspect is dead after leading police on a high speed chase that ended in a violent crash Tuesday morning.

A spokesperson with the Pasadena Police Department says the suspect who passed away was with another man when they both slammed their Dodge pickup truck into the "Bad Habit's" Tobacco shop on West Southmore Street around 2am this morning.

Two police officers who were patrolling the area saw the smash and grab unfold. When they approached the store, the two suspects led them on a short high speed chase going eastbound on Southmore.

A mile into the chase, the suspects lost control of their vehicle, went airborne and slammed into a tree. A small engine fire broke out, and the two men were trapped inside the truck while authorites put out the fire and used jaws of life to remove them from the wreckage.

Both men were transported to the hospital where one has died.

The store owner says this is the second time this year he's been hit. This morning, the suspects were only able to get away with seven cigarette cartons. The store owner estimates with damage and merchandise stolen, he's lost about $45,000.