Fireworks theft suspect leads police on chase through Houston

Matthew Smith, accused in a string of fireworks stand thefts, is placed in the back of a Houston Fire Department ambulance after allegedly leading police on a chase Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Matthew Smith, accused in a string of fireworks stand thefts, is placed in the back of a Houston Fire Department ambulance after allegedly leading police on a chase Tuesday, July 3, 2018. Photo: Jay R. Jordan Photo: Jay R. Jordan Image 1 of / 6 Caption Close Fireworks theft suspect leads police on chase through Houston 1 / 6 Back to Gallery

A man accused of stealing two fireworks stands days before the July 4 holiday was arrested in south Houston after a miles-long pursuit Tuesday.

The stands were stolen June 28 and 29 from separate locations in north Harris County, according to Harris County Fire Marshal Laurie Christensen.

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Christensen said Matthew Smith, who was taken into custody after the pursuit, was accused in the string of thefts.

The first stand was stolen around 2 a.m. June 28 in the 5100 block of Texas Highway 6. A mere 24 hours later, Smith allegedly stole a second stand in the 11300 block of Barker Cypress Road.

In all, Christensen said Smith may have stolen nearly 125 pounds of fireworks worth approximately $80,000.

Investigators with the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office and the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office caught up with him Tuesday afternoon in northeast Harris County and tried to pull him over – but he allegedly refused, Christensen said.

The pursuit ran from northeast Harris County into south Houston and ended along the Gulf Freeway near Broadway Street.

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Smith was checked out by paramedics with the Houston Fire Department before being hauled away to the Harris County Jail.

Smith allegedly struck another vehicle during the pursuit but was eventually taken into custody. He'll face a felony evading charge with other charges possible, police said.

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Jay R. Jordan is a breaking news reporter at Chron.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JayRJordan.