Southeast Harris Co. couple cleans up after police chase ends with truck crashing into home

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- A Southeast Harris County couple is counting their blessings after a police pursuit ended with a stolen truck crashing into their dining room Saturday afternoon.

The crash happened near the intersection of Colgate Street and De Leon Street in a typically quiet neighborhood.

Carol Taylor said she was home alone when she heard what sounded like an explosion.

"All of a sudden, I hear an explosion," Taylor said.

Moments later, she came face-to-face with the driver.

"The guy who had crashed into the house came in the house ... and he's facing me. Face to face," Taylor said.

According to the Precinct 2 Constable's Office, the driver was identified as Abelardo Vazquez. Authorities said what began as a traffic stop escalated into a high-speed chase.

Investigators said the truck involved had been stolen from a nearby restaurant parking lot about 30 minutes earlier. Officials also said Vazquez has a history of auto theft.

Taylor said the encounter left her fearing for her life.

"I thought for a minute I was going to die because I didn't know if he had a gun," she said. "When he came back, I saw him a second time. I just thought it was over for me."

Authorities said Vazquez was arrested shortly afterward in a nearby bayou.

But the damage left behind remains visible at the Taylors' home, where friends and neighbors have stepped in to help with cleanup efforts.

John Taylor, Carol's husband, said he understands law enforcement's goal of catching suspects but believes pursuits should be handled with greater consideration for bystanders.

"I understand their main goal is to catch the criminal, but don't make innocent people suffer in your pursuit of the criminal," he said.

Taylor said he's relieved no one was injured, especially in a neighborhood where children often play outside.

"You're chasing crooks, but you got to think about us, too," he said.

Inside the damaged home, Carol Taylor said she's focused on gratitude.

She pointed to the table where she usually sits to read her Bible - a spot that she said remained mostly untouched despite the destruction around it.

"On this table at the end was my Bible, my holy water, and my St. Jude candle," Taylor said. "This is where I sit, at this table to read, and it all survived. Just a little dust, and it survived. That's a blessing right here," she said.

No injuries were reported in the crash. Charges against Vazquez were not immediately released.