Wrecker driver shot during bizarre chase

(10/24/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A tow truck driver is accused of using his tools to steal a show car in northeast Harris County.

Harris County deputies say it all started when a wrecker driver took a car from a northeast Houston home. The owners of the car began chasing the wrecker driver. Police say at some point, they allegedly shot at him, hitting him three times in the back.

At the end of that chase, the car being towed came loose and slammed into a business on the Eastex Freeway feeder near Darwin. The damage was extensive to Tacos las Panchas.

The driver from towing company LAR claims he was repossessing the Mercury Sable. But the car's owner says he was stealing it, which police have confirmed.

The bizarre incident has now shut down Tacos las Panchas. It's a small business that supports at least six people.

"Well, it's shocking. I feel bad for my mom. She's the one that pays the bills and everything. This is going to cost us, pretty much," said the owner's daughter, Anna Karen Resendiz. "We all work hard. This is a family business. We help out my mom. Every day we are here, helping her out, doing whatever we can."

The tow truck driver was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Police say once he recovers, he will likely face charges of theft.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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