145-mph Texas chase ends in fiery crash, self-inflicted gunshot wound

Suspect remains hospitalized in serious condition after multi-county pursuit

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A high-speed chase reaching 145 mph ended when a serial evader crashed a burning vehicle into a ravine near the San Jacinto River. Upon reaching the wreckage, officers discovered the suspect had a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the lower jaw. The suspect remains in a local hospital in serious condition; their identity has not yet been publicly released.

Why it matters

High-speed police chases pose significant risks to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for effective inter-agency coordination and specialized units trained in vehicle interdiction tactics to bring such dangerous situations to a controlled conclusion.

The details

The Harris County Sheriff's Office began the pursuit in Harris County before the suspect led officers on a dangerous path into Montgomery County. As the chase crossed county lines during the early morning hours, the suspect reportedly reached speeds of 145 mph. Law enforcement officials said several pursuing units temporarily lost visual contact with the vehicle. The Splendora Police Department's Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) then re-established contact and took the lead position in the chase. Officers eventually deployed tire deflation devices, but the suspect refused to quit. Even as the vehicle's tires shredded, and the undercarriage caught fire, the driver continued onward. The chase finally ended when the burning vehicle plummeted into a ravine near the San Jacinto River.

  • The pursuit began in the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.

The players

Harris County Sheriff's Office

The primary investigating agency that initiated the pursuit.

Splendora Police Department

The department's Criminal Interdiction Unit (CIU) re-established contact with the suspect and took the lead position in the chase.

Montgomery County Sheriff's Office

Assisted in the pursuit as the chase crossed county lines.

Montgomery County Precinct 4 Constables Office

Assisted in the pursuit as the chase crossed county lines.

Texas Department of Public Safety

Provided air support during the multi-county chase.

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What they’re saying

“This incident underscores the importance of inter-agency coordination and trained interdiction units. The persistence of the officers involved helped bring a dangerous situation to a controlled conclusion.”

— Splendora Police Department (Splendora Police Department)

What’s next

The suspect's identity has not been released, and their condition remains serious. Authorities will likely investigate the suspect's criminal history and motivations for the high-speed chase.

The takeaway

This case highlights the risks of high-speed police pursuits and the need for specialized units and effective inter-agency coordination to safely resolve such dangerous situations and protect the public.