In what could only be described as a bizarre attempt at escape, a shoplifter’s wild actions at Houston’s Galleria Mall turned into one of the most unexpected scenes the city has seen in a while. Shoppers got a front-row seat to a real-life chase that escalated in a way that looked like it was straight out of an action movie, but with one major difference: it didn’t end well for the criminal.
The Chase Begins
The drama unfolded when Galleria Mall security spotted a man who was believed to be involved in a shoplifting attempt. What started as a typical mall security incident quickly spiraled out of control.
According to witnesses, the suspect began sprinting through the upper level of the mall, darting between shoppers and dodging security guards who were trying to catch him. It didn’t take long for the situation to become chaotic.
A Wild Escape Attempt
The suspect, seemingly in a moment of reckless bravado, made his next move: he stopped at the railing on the second floor, looked back at the guards chasing him, and yelled out, “Come get me!” What happened next was straight out of a high-stakes movie stunt—but it was no movie. In an attempt to escape, the man leapt off the second-floor balcony, aiming for the ice rink below.
Unfortunately for him, this was no calculated stunt. As he landed legs first, he immediately collapsed in agony, screaming in pain. Witness Martyn Norris described the scene, saying, “He jumped straight down, tried to land, and when he hit the ice, his legs literally went out from under him—they snapped.”
The Aftermath: Broken Legs and Serious Charges
The man’s daring escape didn’t go as planned. Instead of running free, he ended up with serious leg injuries and was transported to the hospital. He is now expected to face charges related to theft and evading detention. Police have not released his name yet.