Off-duty deputy involved in freeway shootout

06:31 AM CDT on Wednesday, April 23, 2008

KHOU.com staff report

HOUSTON -- An off-duty Harris County Sheriff's deputy was involved in a high-speed shootout in east Harris County Tuesday night. The rolling gun battle took place along Interstate 10 as the deputy chased a carload of purse-snatchers.

The chase began at the Sam’s Club at I-10 East and Freeport at about 7 p.m. Tuesday. Authorities said a woman leaving the wholesale club was attacked by five robbers, who took off with her purse.

The off-duty deputy witnessed the strong-armed robbery and chased after the suspects.

The chase traveled down I-10 before the suspects opened fire on the deputy, who was in pursuit in his personal vehicle.

That is when the deputy returned fire and called for officer assistance. Authorities said nobody was shot during the gun battle.

The chase continued for about 10 miles before the suspects bailed in front of the Family Christian Academy in the 17100 block of Woodford.

Four of the suspects were caught and taken into custody, but the fifth was still on the loose.