HOUSTON – A fleeing suspect who kept Houston police officers on their toes Monday morning has been captured after going on a string of crime sprees this month, according to the Houston Police Department.
The suspect was identified as 30-year-old Robert Johnson.
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Houston police described Monday’s event as an “extremely complex scene” as the investigation involving Johnson dates back three weeks ago.
On May 1, a Houston police officer reportedly saw a white BMW driving recklessly in northeast Houston and attempted to stop the vehicle. Johnson, the suspected driver, failed to stop, and a chase ensued.
Police said the officer had to stop the chase after the BMW driver started to run red lights, almost crashed into other vehicles and reached speeds of 100 mph.
On Monday, as the chase investigation continued, officers identified the white BMW at an apartment complex located in the 10200 block of Lansdale Drive.
When officers approached the vehicle, they reportedly advised Johnson that they had a warrant to seize the vehicle because it was tied to a chase. Johnson initially complied and removed his 5-year-old daughter from inside the BMW, placing her on the curb, according to HPD.
When officers asked him to step back, they say he jumped back into the vehicle. A struggle broke out between the man and the officers. When the second officer, identified as an HPD sergeant, tried to help, police say Johnson got out of the BMW reportedly and knocked the sergeant down to the ground.
The other officer reportedly saw Johnson was armed and shot at him, but he missed.
Johnson ran to another apartment complex, about 1.2 miles away from the scene, police say, and robbed a woman at gunpoint for her cellphone.
That area was secured, and the BMW driver was found and arrested.
No one was hurt in the officer-involved shooting or the armed robbery.
During the vehicle search, investigators said they found narcotics and a semi-automatic pistol with a magazine inside. Officers are still searching for the second pistol used during the armed robbery.
Police say Johnson is a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history.
The officers involved were placed on administrative duty, a part HPD’s standard protocol. Bodycam footage will be released within 30 days as part of the department’s officer-involved shooting procedures.
The 5-year-old daughter is back with her mother.