A reported theft at a Texas Walmart turned into a high-speed pursuit, a fiery crash and a dramatic rescue by the same deputies who had been chasing the driver.
Montgomery County sheriff’s deputies responded to the Walmart in Porter on Sunday, Aug. 16. The sheriff’s office said deputies saw a man running from the store while members of its loss-prevention team followed him.
The man allegedly entered a vehicle and ignored a patrol unit’s lights and siren. Authorities identified the driver as 53-year-old Michael BeBawi, according to KPRC.
The sheriff’s office said BeBawi drove north on U.S. 69 at a high rate of speed before exiting at FM 1485. Near the intersection, the vehicle crossed a median curb, struck two signs, and collided with another vehicle. It then traveled over another curb, hit a Chase Bank sign and caught fire.
Deputies Could Not Open the Damaged Driver’s Door
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Body-camera footage shows deputies running toward the burning vehicle and attempting to reach the driver. Crash damage prevented them from opening the driver’s door.
One deputy climbed through the passenger side and unlocked the opposite door from inside. The other deputies then pulled BeBawi from the vehicle and dragged him across the pavement as the fire intensified.
BeBawi Was Pulled Away From the Flames
Several loud explosions can be heard after the rescue. Deputies moved BeBawi farther away from the flames, relocated their patrol vehicles and cleared a path for firefighters and emergency medical personnel.
Texas DPS Is Investigating the Crash
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said BeBawi was taken to the Montgomery County Jail on allegations of evading arrest in a vehicle and theft. The agency also said he had previous arrests involving theft-related offenses and resisting arrest.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is still investigating the collision. Authorities have not released additional information about injuries or the other vehicle involved in the crash.