Montgomery County deputies pulled a 53-year-old theft suspect from a burning vehicle Tuesday, Aug. 18, after a high-speed chase on I-69 ended in a multi-vehicle crash and car fire near FM 1485.

The Montgomery County Sheriff's Office said the incident began when deputies responded to a theft call at a Walmart in Porter and spotted the suspect running from the store. The man jumped into a vehicle and fled, leading deputies northbound on I-69 at a high rate of speed, the sheriff's office said.

As the suspect exited at FM 1485, he lost control while attempting to turn eastbound, crossed a median and collided with another vehicle, according to the sheriff's office. His car then crossed a curb, struck a Chase Bank sign and caught fire.

Deputies found the driver's side door jammed by crash damage. One deputy climbed through the passenger side, unlocked the driver's door from inside, and other deputies pulled the suspect out.

The fire intensified and the vehicle began to explode, the sheriff's office said. Deputies moved the suspect away from the wreckage, cleared their patrol vehicles and opened access for fire and EMS crews.

The sheriff's office identified the suspect as Michael BeBawi, 53, who has prior arrests for theft-related offenses and resisting arrest. BeBawi is held in the Montgomery County Jail on charges of evading in a vehicle and theft.

The sheriff's office released body-worn camera video of the rescue on its official Facebook page. Texas DPS is investigating the crash, according to the sheriff's office.

KPRC Click2Houston first reported the incident.

No information was available on injuries to occupants of the second vehicle struck in the crash.

Residents who witnessed the crash or have information about the incident can contact Multi-County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-392-7867 or online at p3tips.com.