Driver in custody after police chase across 3 Texas counties

Speeds exceeded 100 mph

HOUSTON – Mohamed Ahmed Abu-Shlieba, the driver who police said led officers on a high-speed chase through three counties, is in custody.

According to police, the chase started in the 1600 block of S. Post Oak Blvd. in Houston. 

Abu-Shlieba, who police said was in a stolen white Dodge Hellcat, was driving at speeds of more than 100 mph on the I-10 East Freeway heading east, according to police. He drove through Harris County, Chambers County and toward Jefferson County.

Near Winnie, Abu-Shlieba headed east on Highway 73.

At some point, Abu-Shlieba bailed out of the car and ran into a large field of brush off Highway 73 near the Veolia Environmental Services treatment complex, west of Beaumont. Deputies believe he ran out of gas.

Authorities searched for Abu-Shlieba in the field using the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office helicopter. They eventually found Abu-Shlieba and led deputies to him.

VIDEO: Driver arrested after chase

Abu-Shlieba, 25, was handcuffed and escorted by deputies in the helicopter, which then flew back to the highway and landed.

He was then led into an unmarked law enforcement vehicle. From Sky 2 video, it appears one law enforcement official punched Abu-Shlieba, then put his hand on his neck.

Abu-Shlieba was brought to a Jefferson County courthouse to be arraigned.

"From the information that I gathered he had a number of warrants out for his arrest, felony warrants. He was under surveillance for being in possession of a stolen vehicle," Marcus McLellan, with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, said.

Abu-Shlieba is facing an evading arrest charge.