Unmarked vehicle stolen from detective in Downtown Houston, man arrested, HPD says

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Houston police said a man has been arrested after stealing a detective’s unmarked vehicle.

According to the Houston Police Department, the detective was working on an extra job in Downtown Houston with the keys running inside the vehicle. That was when, according to police, an unhoused man walked by, jumped into the vehicle, and took off.

The vehicle was later discovered near the Eastex Freeway at East Mt. Houston, authorities said. Officers started a traffic stop by boxing the car in, with the suspect pulling over with no incident or pursuit, according to HPD.

Police said they then arrested the unidentified suspect. Officials said the man will face charges, either theft or unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

According to HPD, the detective was in full uniform when the vehicle was stolen, including having her service weapon on her rather than in the car.

Authorities said there was no damage after reclaiming the vehicle.