UPDATE (Dec. 11, 12:42 p.m.)
Police released new details on how five armed suspects escaped after stealing a vehicle early Saturday and firing several shots at an eyewitness.
A single Temple police officer kept sight of the group inside the stolen car but did not engage in a pursuit due to safety concerns, a police spokesperson told 25 News.
Police said the officer was waiting on backup to set up a plan of action.
"At this point, the vehicle pursuit of the suspect had to be terminated by law enforcement due to the reckless actions of the suspect vehicle and in an effort to keep the community safe," a spokesperson said.
When the vehicle crashed and caught fire later in Belton, the officer turned on his emergency lights and saw the suspects take off on foot from the flaming vehicle.
"The officer's first mission is the safety and welfare of persons; therefore, he checked the crashed suspect vehicle to ensure no injured persons were in the suspect vehicle and to ensure the suspect vehicle did not strike any persons when it crashed," police said.
They also said the suspects had already evaded three previous vehicle pursuits by two other law enforcement agencies and drove recklessly at high speeds.
A Temple police officer saw the group leaving the scene, but eventually lost sight of the vehicle in a neighborhood.
Officers with the Belton Police Department and the Bell County Sheriff's Department also pursued the vehicle, but the five suspects got away.
All five are still considered armed and dangerous.
UPDATE (Dec. 9, 4:12 p.m.)
The Temple Police Department have told 25 News that the five suspects should be now considered armed and dangerous.
Temple police told 25 News around 3 p.m. that the five suspects were not a major threat to the public.
New details from Temple PD said when the stolen vehicle crashed, only one officer was with it. The department said that officer stayed behind with the vehicle to check on any injured persons who may have been in the crash.
Once more officers arrived at the crash, the department said an attempt was made to locate the suspects but they were not found.
Police said at this time, the incident is believed to be "a random act of violence where the suspects of a property crime were interrupted during their criminal act."
Authorities also said at least one of the suspects was armed and didn't hesitate to use the firearm when interrupted.
25 News will continue to provide updates as they are made available.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Temple Police Department said they are investigating an aggravated assault and vehicle theft that occurred on Saturday morning.
Police said around 5:02 a.m., officers responded to the 2200 block of Carriage House Drive on reports of shots fired and a vehicle burglary. Officers said multiple suspects were involved, firing shots at the witness and stealing the vehicle from the location where the report was made.
No injuries were reported.
Officers said when they located the vehicle a pursuit began with the suspects heading towards Belton.
Additional law enforcement agencies helped with the vehicle's pursuit.
Temple officers said the stolen vehicle crashed in the 200 block of McDowell Street in Belton.
Five suspects left the vehicle and fled on foot. Police said they were wearing gloves, masks and hoodies.
Police told 25 News that the suspects are still at large, but there is no major threat to the public.
This case is still under investigation. Temple police said anyone with information should call the station at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477, where callers can report anonymously. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.
25 News will continue to provide updates as they are made available.