Authorities in Galveston County, Texas, are on the hunt for a suspect who led them on a high-speed chase before abandoning his vehicle, which subsequently burst into flames. The incident occurred on Thursday evening when a deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Jafar Otems, a 22-year-old with a felony warrant for his arrest on a charge of deadly conduct.
The pursuit began in Galveston County and continued into Harris County, with Otems refusing to pull over. The chase took place along the Gulf Freeway and FM 518, reaching dangerous speeds that prompted Sheriff Henry Trochesset to call off the pursuit at El Dorado due to safety concerns.
Moments after the chase was called off, Otems crashed his 2022 Nissan Rogue along the Gulf Freeway feeder road at Scarsdale, causing the vehicle to catch fire. Dramatic footage captured by Houston TranStar at around 6:40 p.m. showed the wreck engulfed in flames, reducing the SUV to a mere shell.
Fortunately, no other individuals were injured in the crash. According to Houston police, Otems’ SUV collided with a trailer before bursting into flames and subsequently hitting another vehicle. Despite the fiery scene, Otems managed to escape on foot, disappearing into the nearby woods of a residential area. Authorities conducted an extensive search but were unable to locate him.
This is not the first time Otems has found himself on the wrong side of the law. Court records reveal that he was involved in a robbery at Bush Airport just a few months prior. In April 2022, Otems fired multiple shots at a car in a busy airport parking garage after his co-defendants abandoned him.
As of Thursday night, Otems remained at large, prompting authorities to continue their search for him. The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers posed by individuals attempting to evade law enforcement and highlights the risks associated with high-speed pursuits.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department are urging anyone with information on Otems’ whereabouts to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the appropriate channels to aid in his swift apprehension.
The story continues to develop, and for the latest updates, interested individuals can follow Jessica Willey on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The events of that fateful evening serve as a stark reminder of the lengths some individuals will go to avoid facing the consequences of their actions, leaving law enforcement agencies to diligently work towards ensuring public safety and bringing justice to those who evade the law.
