Montgomery County pursuit ends in fiery crash
By: -----
Montgomery County, TX - Body-worn camera video captured the dramatic moment Montgomery County deputies rescued a theft suspect from a burning vehicle after a chase ended in a fiery crash near U.S. 69 and FM 1485, according to the sheriff's office.
The incident began when deputies responded to a reported theft in progress at the Walmart in Porter.
According to the sheriff's office, deputies arrived and saw a suspect running from the store with Walmart loss-prevention personnel following him.
The suspect got into a vehicle and continued trying to evade deputies. The sheriff's office said he failed to stop for a marked patrol unit that had its emergency lights and siren activated in the parking lot before driving recklessly from the area.
The driver, identified by the sheriff's office as 53-year-old Michael BeBawi, entered the northbound lanes of U.S. 69 at a high rate of speed and later exited at FM 1485.
As BeBawi approached the FM 1485 intersection, the sheriff's office said he lost control of his vehicle while trying to turn and head east.
His vehicle crossed a curbed median, hit two signs and collided with another vehicle before crossing another curb and striking a Chase Bank sign.
The vehicle then caught fire.
Deputies immediately tried to reach BeBawi, who was still inside the burning vehicle, according to the sheriff's office.
Crash damage initially prevented deputies from opening the driver's side door. One deputy then entered the burning vehicle through the passenger side and unlocked the driver's side door, allowing deputies to pull BeBawi out.
As the fire intensified and the vehicle began to explode, deputies moved BeBawi as far away as possible. They also moved patrol vehicles and cleared access for responding fire and EMS personnel.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash.
The sheriff's office said BeBawi has prior arrests related to theft, theft-related offenses and resisting arrest.
BeBawi is currently in the Montgomery County Jail and is charged with evading in a vehicle and theft.