Robbery ends in suspects' vehicle hitting and becoming pinned under 18-wheeler along East Loop: PD

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- A robbery in the Pasadena area ended with a crash involving two 18-wheelers and the alleged suspects' vehicle along Houston's East Loop, police said.

According to the Pasadena Police Department, officers were called about a robbery at a Cash America Pawn in the 500 block of Pasadena Blvd at 9 a.m. Thursday. They were told two suspects went into the business with guns and robbed the shop.

Authorities managed to get a description of the suspect's vehicle, a white Altima, and began canvassing the area.

Officers reported spotting the car in the IH-10 and East Loop area, and before they could conduct a traffic stop, the suspects took evasive action. This, police said, led the suspects to hit an 18-wheeler, spin out of control, go down an embankment, and hit a second 18-wheeler and become pinned under it.

Police said the driver of the vehicle was trapped, and the second suspect took off on foot across the freeway, but authorities caught him a short time after.

The driver, who was critically injured, was removed from the vehicle and taken to the hospital.

Due to the investigation, the IH-610 East Loop northbound exit to IH-10 East Freeway is closed, and authorities are urging drivers to find an alternate route.

In response to the crash, the Pasadena city Mayor Thomas Schoenbein shared the following statement:

"I've been made aware of (Thursday's) incident near I-610 and I-10. I am so grateful for the quick response of our Pasadena Police Department that resulted in both suspects being taken into custody.

Additionally, I am thankful that none of our dedicated and highly-trained officers were injured during the incident.

Our thoughts remain with everyone impacted, and we want our community to know that the safety and security of Pasadena residents will always remain our highest priority.""