Houston police officers jumped into an Uber driver’s car during a foot pursuit of a suspect on Aug. 7 in the Heights neighborhood, ordering the driver to help them continue the chase, according to the driver and department confirmations.
Uber driver Anthony Baines, an Iraq War veteran with about two years of driving experience, was stopped at a sign near East 7½ Street and Oxford Street while heading to pick up a passenger. Dashcam video shows a shirtless man running past his vehicle with two Houston Police Department officers close behind.
One officer opened the passenger door, got in and yelled “Go, go, go, go!” directing Baines to drive. Baines complied, picked up the second officer, and drove them around the block to an apartment complex so the officers could return to their patrol vehicle and resume the search.
An Uber driver in Texas had a couple of unexpected passengers during a late-night shift -- a couple of out-of-shape Houston Police Department officers needing help to track down a suspect.
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 24, 2026
🎥: Anthony Baines via Storyful pic.twitter.com/EbRZcKhJz4
The incident began earlier when officers responded to a terroristic threat call on Seventh Street. A woman at a pool with her children reported that a man came out of an apartment, got into an altercation with her and allegedly threatened to shoot them. When officers arrived to take her statement, the suspect reappeared. Officers tried to detain him, but he broke free and fled on foot, according to Houston police.
Baines told local media he was shocked and acted on adrenaline, saying he complied because officers were ordering him. Houston police confirmed the authenticity of the video and the sequence of events. The suspect was not apprehended and remains at large. No injuries were reported.
Houston Police Officers’ Union President Doug Griffith said citizens are under no legal obligation to assist or join a chase and have the right to refuse. He noted nothing prohibits officers from requesting help in such situations. The department has directed inquiries about policy to its general orders. The investigation remains ongoing.
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