Story perspectives

Houston police commandeered Uber during chase, no protocol revealed

8/25/2026

Summary

Houston Police Chase

Houston police officers jumped into Uber driver Anthony Baines’ car to pursue a suspect on Aug. 8.
The chase followed a report of a shirtless man threatening a woman and two children at a pool.
Baines, a retired Army sergeant, obeyed “Go, go, go,” drove officers briefly, but the suspect escaped.
Union leader Doug Griffith said civilians can refuse such rides.

Summary

Police Seek Uber

The police department has not publicly disclosed a protocol for commandeering rideshare vehicles, prompting officials’ questions.
Uber has declined to comment on the incident or its policy regarding law-enforcement use of drivers.
Legal experts warn that compelling civilian drivers to aid police pursuits could raise liability concerns without clear authority.
Fox News Digital said it requested comments from HPD and Uber, but neither agency responded.

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Houston Police Chase

Houston police officers jumped into Uber driver Anthony Baines’ car to pursue a suspect on Aug. 8.
The chase followed a report of a shirtless man threatening a woman and two children at a pool.
Baines, a retired Army sergeant, obeyed “Go, go, go,” drove officers briefly, but the suspect escaped.
Union leader Doug Griffith said civilians can refuse such rides.

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