Houston Uber Driver Enlisted by Police to Chase Fleeing Suspect in Unusual Pursuit

An Uber driver in Houston became an unexpected participant in a police pursuit when two officers commandeered his vehicle to chase a suspect fleeing on foot in the early morning hours of August 8. Anthony Baines was operating his rideshare vehicle around 12:20 a.m. in the Houston Heights neighborhood when officers flagged him down and directed him to assist in their pursuit, according to dashcam footage reviewed by Storyful.

The video captures an officer approaching Baines’ vehicle and instructing him to drive in the direction of the fleeing suspect while she and her partner, carrying a flashlight, positioned themselves in the car. Baines navigated the area for several minutes as the officers guided him, before both abruptly exited the vehicle to resume their chase on foot after spotting their target.

Houston Police Department confirmed the authenticity of the incident to KPRC 2, explaining that officers were responding to a terroristic threat call involving a suspect who had allegedly threatened to harm a woman and her children. The suspect refused to cooperate when officers attempted to detain him as he left an apartment and fled the scene, prompting the unconventional request for civilian assistance.

Despite their efforts, officers did not apprehend the suspect that evening. The case remains under investigation, and the suspect’s identity has not been released. Baines later confirmed on social media that he was the driver in the footage, identifying himself as an Army veteran and father of two who drives for Uber to save for a home purchase.