HOUSTON – Houston police are searching for two suspects who struck an HPD officer during a chase early Wednesday.

Police say around 4 a.m., an HPD two-man unit attempted to pull over a white Nissan for a faulty temporary plate and traffic violations, but the driver refused to stop.

The driver led police on a short chase eastbound on Woodforest, turning into the Woodforest Chase apartments, and came to a dead end at the back of the complex.

The driver and passenger in the Nissan appeared to be surrendering at first, but the driver suddenly threw the car in reverse and slammed into the police car. One of the officers was struck and fell to the ground, and the suspects were able to get away.

HPD and Harris County Sheriff's deputies searched the area for the Nissan, but were unable to locate it.

The officer who was struck sustained an injury to his hand and knee, and was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition.