Domestic violence call turns into high-speed chase
One HPD officer loses control, flips his squad car
By Michelle Homer & Rucks Russell / 11 News
HOUSTON — It only took seconds for a domestic violence call to become a high-speed chase.
Domestic violence call turns into high-speed chase February 16, 2009
"It’s just a shocking awakening of what dangers our officers face during these pursuits," said Sgt. John Chomiak of the Houston Police Department.
On Monday afternoon, officers pursued 25-year-old Danny Joe Flores after he allegedly assaulted his wife in Clearlake.
Authorities say Flores tried to run over a Precinct 8 deputy constable. He then slammed into two police cars including one on the Gulf Freeway near Clearlake City Boulevard.
"In complete disregard to the officer’s safety or the citizen’s safety, the suspect just plowed right into the back of the officer’s patrol car, causing our vehicle to overturn," said Chomiak.
The vehicle’s airbag deployed, and the officer was treated and released from the hospital.
In the meantime, the chase continued down the freeway.
Flores then rammed his car into the rear of a deputy’s SUV near Broadway. He veered out of control, smashing into a concrete wall.
The suspect loses control after rear-ending the HPD SUV in the left lane.
Officers surrounded the silver Honda with guns drawn and pulled the bleeding suspect out of the car. They said he was armed with a box cutter.
"This suspect was not only dangerous with his vehicle, but dangerous with a box cutter. He cut one of the precinct constable deputies on the forearm," said Chomiak.
Flores was eventually transported to Ben Taub hospital. Once he recovers, he’ll be going to the county jail. Authorities say he will be charged with two counts of attempted capital murder of a police officer.