Father Of K-9 Stabbing Suspect Found Dead In West Houston: Police

HOUSTON, TX — The father of a robbery suspect accused of stabbing a K-9 was found dead in west Houston early Tuesday, according to the Houston Police Department.

Ryan Mitchell Smith, 26, who was out on $50,000 bond, led police on a car chase after they found his pickup truck near the house where they were searching for his father. Family members reported Smith's father missing after searching his residence on Carolcrest Drive, according to police.

The chase ended in a car crash in the Memorial Park area, but Smith was able to get away from police on foot around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday, authorities said.

Detectives returned to the father's house and found his body hidden in the garage early Tuesday. Authorities believe he died of unnatural causes. There were no signs of an obvious struggle, but the potential of foul play is being investigated, police said. The deceased man's name is not being released until family is notified.

Smith has been charged with evading arrest, and any other charges are pending the result of an autopsy, police said.