Driver in stolen police patrol car taken into custody

HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Officers have taken someone into custody after that person stole a Houston Police Department patrol car in downtown Houston and led officers on a chase into northeast Houston.Patrol unit officers were investigating a home burglary at around 7:40 p.m. Friday when they realized a suspect stole a police vehicle and drove away. When officers heard the vehicle traveling away, they contacted other patrol units to follow the stolen vehicle.

The chase lasted around 30 minutes and hostage negotiators spoke to the suspect using the radio system in the stolen patrol car.

Officer tried several attempts to lay down spike strips to stop the vehicle before it finally worked and flattened the tires. The car caught fire and the suspect was removed from the vehicle with help from a K-9 unit. The suspect suffered a dog bite. No officers were injured.

The suspect was taken into custody near the intersection of Liberty and Wayside. He was charged with evading and criminal mischief, both felony offenses.