Robbery suspects' getaway car hits two 18-wheelers in failed escape attempt, police say

PASADENA, Texas (KTRK) -- An armed robbery at a Pasadena pawn shop Thursday morning ended in a dramatic crash involving two 18-wheelers on Houston's East Loop, leaving one suspect critically injured and another in custody, according to police.

The incident began around 9 a.m. when officers with the Pasadena Police Department responded to a reported robbery at a Cash America Pawn store in the 500 block of Pasadena Boulevard.

Investigators say two armed suspects entered the business, robbed the store at gunpoint, and fled in a white Nissan Altima.

Police quickly obtained a description of the vehicle and began searching the area. A short time later, a Pasadena patrol officer spotted the Altima near Market Street and the East Loop.

"Before he could even initiate a stop or pursuit, they tried to take evasive action here, ran into an 18-wheeler, which sent them out of control," Sgt. Devin Franklund said. "They then hit another 18-wheeler, and their car was pinned underneath it, trapping the driver inside."

Authorities said the Altima first struck an 18-wheeler driven by Alex Flores on the Market Street bridge before careening down the embankment onto the East Loop, crashing into a second truck and becoming wedged underneath it.

Flores said his immediate concern was for the occupants of the vehicle.

"I was wondering if he was okay," Flores said.

Emergency crews worked to free the driver from the wreckage. Police said he suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment.

The passenger escaped the vehicle after the crash and ran across Interstate 610, authorities said. According to the Houston Police Department, officers later located and arrested him nearby.

Despite the violent collision, no other injuries were reported.

Flores said he was relieved to learn the occupants survived.

"I was like, 'I hope the guy didn't die,'" he said. "When you're involved in an accident, you don't want something else to happen. If you're okay, you don't want something else to happen to the other person."

Investigators said they recovered jewelry and firearms from inside the Altima, which are expected to be used as evidence in the ongoing criminal investigation.