A lengthy car chase in Houston, Texas, ended Wednesday with the suspect crashing his vehicle and being fatally shot by police live on television.
The chase began around 10:30 a.m. local time after a routine traffic stop on the 4300 block of Weaver Road in the north of the city, Houston police spokesman Victor Senties told BuzzFeed News.
"[Police] officers were conducting an operation near Highway 59 and Crosstimbers when they observed a late model Chrysler vehicle making unsafe lane changes," the Harris County Sheriff's office said in a statement.
"A marked HPD patrol unit pulled the suspect vehicle over, but the driver sped away and a chase ensued."
As television helicopters followed the chase, which lasted at least 20 minutes, the suspect's Chrysler 300 could be seen driving off road to avoid spikes placed in his path by police.
The car then slammed into a white vehicle at the intersection of Wallisville Road and North Castlegory, Senties said.
Footage showed the suspect then crashing into two other cars.
Those watching on television then saw the man exit his vehicle and reach into the back seat of his car before being shot by police. WARNING: This footage is graphic.
"Two HPD officers in pursuit exited their unit and approached the suspect’s vehicle ordering him to show his hands," the Sheriff's office said.
"As the officers were approaching, the suspect got out of his vehicle, turned towards the officers, then got back inside of his car," the sheriff's office said in a statement.
"The officers, believing the suspect was reaching for a weapon, and in fear for their life and those of citizens nearby, discharged their weapons into the vehicle, striking the suspect multiple times."
Police were unable to initially confirm the suspect's condition, but aerial footage showed a white sheet had been placed over his body.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office later confirmed the suspect died at the scene.
Deputies at scene of @houstonpolice chase that ended in SE Harris Co. One suspect is dead #HouNews
Authorities have not released the identity of the man killed.
Pictures showed at least one other person injured in the crash being placed in an ambulance.
