Alleged Target thief crashes into driver at Deerbrook Mall after leading authorities on chase: MCSO

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A suspect wanted for stealing items at a New Caney Target store led authorities on a high-speed chase down the Eastex Freeway that ended in a crash, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said a robbery in progress was first reported on Wednesday afternoon at the Valley Ranch Target store, adding that when Texas Department of Public Safety troopers attempted to stop the suspect shortly after, he sped off, prompting a pursuit.

The chase ensued down the Eastex Freeway and ended near the Deerbrook Mall in Humble, where the suspect crashed into a driver who was not involved in the pursuit, according to MCSO.

Investigators said that after the wreck, the suspect tried to flee the scene on foot, but he was tackled and taken into custody.

Tammy Martin was working at a dentist's office nearby when she heard the crash and witnessed the scene unfold.

"It was pretty shocking! Even the patients were like, 'there's somebody in the parking lot running from the cops!'," Martin said. "We saw it all from the window."

MCSO said both the suspect and the innocent driver were hurt and rushed to the hospital, where they were stabilized.

MCSO identified the suspect as 55-year-old Curtis Smith and said he had an outstanding felony warrant out of Walker County for theft. The details of that warrant were not immediately available.

Lt. Jesse Bullinger said MCSO was leading the investigation into the pursuit, and Texas DPS was investigating the crash.