A routine traffic stop on SH 146 in Baytown resulted in shots fired by police and a pursuit that ended on CR 443 in the lower Westlake area off of FM 1409 south of Dayton. The identity of the woman who was shot is not being released at this time.
Authorities say the female driver was shot at least once by Baytown police when she tried to flee, hitting her male companion who was standing at the rear of her older model Chevrolet shortbed pickup truck and nearly striking two Baytown police officers.
“The female driver was uncooperative with the K-9 officer throughout the stop. The officer got the male passenger out of the truck and detained him. The K-9 officer asked for a second unit to stop by,” said Lt. Steve Dorris, spokesperson for Baytown Police Department. “At some point they went to remove the driver out of the truck and she put it in reverse and accelerated.”
According to Dorris, fearing for their lives, one of the officers discharged his duty weapon at the suspect.
After being shot, she reportedly continued backing out of the parking lot where she had pulled over during the traffic stop and headed north on SH 146 toward Liberty County. The pursuit was picked up by other law enforcement officers and traveled onto FM 1409, then County Road 443.
The home where the pursuit ended is one frequented by the victim, according to sources at the scene. With officers in close pursuit, the bleeding woman jumped from her truck and entered the home. Officers followed and took her into custody.
She was airlifted by Life Flight to Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston. Her condition is unknown at this time but authorities say the injuries appear to be not life-threatening.
Her male companion was not charged with a crime and was released.
“Her vehicle was impounded and towed to Baytown Police Department where investigators will go through it after a search warrant is obtained,” Dorris said.
Baytown PD is the primary investigating agency on the case. Dorris said Texas Rangers will mirror the case and assist.
By Vanesa Brashier, editor@bluebonnetnews.com
Wow is all I have to say