Fort Worth stolen car chase with gunfire ends with crash in Haltom City
A suspected car thief fired at Fort Worth police multiple times Tuesday morning during a pursuit that started in Fort Worth and ended with a crash in Haltom City, critically injuring one person.
The car thief and another suspect fled the scene after the crash in Haltom City, but they were arrested shortly after the wreck.
At least one person in the reported stolen car fired a weapon during the chase, but no one was hit. Initial reports indicated the injuries were due to gunfire.
Fort Worth police did not fire their weapons, and no officers were reported injured, according Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes at a brief news conference in Haltom City after the crash.
“Two Fort Worth police officers were shot at today,” Noakes said. “I’m thrilled to tell you that all officers are OK.”
Fort Worth police said the pursuit began in the city just before 11 a.m. Tuesday when a camera alerted officers of a stolen. vehicle within city limits.
Fort Worth officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the car fled from police.
During the pursuit, a man in the car fired multiple shots at the officers, the chief said. A woman also was in the reported stolen vehicle.
The car crashed on an eastbound service road of Northeast Loop 820 and Denton Highway in Haltom City.
One person was injured in the crash and taken to a hospital in critical condition, authorities said. A second person in the wrecked car was treated at the scene.
After they were arrested, the two suspects also were taken to a hospital. Police found a long gun and a handgun in the reported stolen car.
Fort Worth police did not identify the suspects. The woman in the stolen car faces charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and evading arrest.
The man in custody was arrested on three outstanding felony warrants, two from aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and one for possession of a weapon by a felon, the police chief said.
Naokes said the man also will face addition charges based on his actions on Tuesday.
The police chief said the suspect who fired at officers had been one that the violent crime unit had been searching for
“Words can’t even begin to express how proud I am of the officers and the work they did,” the police chief said. “Their lives were in danger, but they did their job.”
This story was originally published August 30, 2022 at 12:09 PM.
