NAVASOTA POLICE APPREHEND MAN ACCUSED OF HIJACKING VAN AFTER THREATENING TO SHOOT DRIVER

  

Navasota police say a suspect was taken into custody after a standoff today (Thursday) involving a mental health patient who allegedly threatened to shoot his driver before taking control of the vehicle himself.

The City of Navasota issued a press release this afternoon saying that around 11:15 a.m., a 911 call came in from a male subject who was being transported to a mental health facility.  According to the release, the individual made threats during the call to shoot the driver of the van transporting him.

Dispatchers pinpointed the van to a location near Highway 105 and Highway 6.  Officers found the van at a convenience store, where they say the suspect was making threats toward law enforcement.

Authorities were able to get the driver away from the vehicle, but as they attempted to make contact with the man who was still inside, they say he crawled to the front of the van and drove off, hitting a parked vehicle before circling the parking lot.

Officers deployed a non-lethal weapon through the van’s glass, causing it to crash into an air compressor.  The suspect was apprehended without further incident and was taken to an area hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Police continue to investigate and say charges are pending.