From Viral Chase to City Hero: Houston Honors Uber Driver Anthony Baines

And there you have it, the video that went viral around the world. You see Houstonian there, Anthony Baines, who was recruited by some Houston police officers when they were chasing a suspect back in August. And he was the quickest ride nearby. And so he drove them around hoping to catch the suspect unfortunately they did not but anthony is our hero you know and he's alive today and he joins us now with Houston City Councilman and we're following up here on the factor houston city councilman edward pollard so anthony once again take us back to that what was that like that that had to be incredible yes absolutely uh unique experience to go through um i was once again just running on adrenaline just trying to do the best I can to helping the officers and just just be as you know cooperative as possible. And of course you're prepared for something like this you have a military background you're a veteran. Absolutely I did eight years in the army served one year in Iraq I did a whole tour so all that eight years of training just prepared me for those those four minutes of action. And how have people reacted to this video including your family? Yeah My family was just more importantly concerned about my health and making sure that I was okay and my safety given that, you know, that situation could have easily escalated to something more serious. But I'm just thankful that it didn't. So my family was very happy about that. Overall feedback, people are just happy that I was okay with just allowing my vehicle and myself to be a part of a situation so unique. Okay, and let's make that clear. You were a willing participant after they hopped in. And you didn't like get the hell out of my Uber, find a Lyft. All right. Councilmember Edward Pollard here. When you saw that video, your thoughts? Man, I was just amazed, one, that that could actually happen. You usually see that in the movies, right? But we have officers that sometimes take those type of techniques to be able to try to apprehend a suspect. But the real Houstonian here was Anthony. You can see how calm he was and how he was able to stay composed. but really you know what I really saw in the first time I glanced at that video was how fast this uh suspect was you can understand why they had to jump in the vehicle because this guy must have been a crack star he was running like a crackhead but they never did catch him and of course uh council member member you're here for a special reason because we said something like yeah I mean I can tell you I mean I saw your show people were telling me about the show You was tagging me on Instagram, and it was for a deserving purpose. Anthony, you are what we at City Hall are really proud to represent, a Houstonian that goes above and beyond. And we want to dedicate a day in your honor based on the service and everything that you were able to do on that night to try to apprehend that suspect. And this is a proclamation in your name that will forever be October 23rd is going to be your day here in the city of Houston. So really quickly, everybody doesn't get a day. This is our highest honor at the city. We give this to individuals and organizations that are true representations of Houstonians and the contributions they make to our city to have a positive impact on community. And so it is my honor and distinct pleasure to represent and present this proclamation in your honor. Congratulations. Congratulations, Anthony. And of course, we have one more clip we want to play for you. Anthony, on behalf of the Houston Police Officers Union, we'd like to thank you for helping our folks. You put yourself in the line of fire to help two of our officers and we greatly appreciate it for that. We'd like to give you a couple of gift cards for some gas to help you with those Uber rides, buddy. Thanks again for all your help. God bless you. All right. And that's Doug Griffith with the Houston Police Officers Union. And here are the gift cards. And let's have his family come on out really quick as we say goodbye. And your thoughts about getting your own day in the city of Houston. This is absolutely surreal. This is a moment to be able to have this as a Houstonian born and raised in Houston. this means everything to me more importantly my family this is the reason why this means so much because of the fact that I'm able to do something that my kids could look at years from now and say hey my father set an example that we can live by and that is something that is more valuable than anything it's the message and the lesson that I could be able to pass down to my boys from seeing their dad do what he did you know on that day absolutely congratulations any final words council member well deserved we hope we don't have to use these type of techniques as a city all the time but uh you're the man uh at the right time at the right place so we really appreciate your efforts and congratulations you too Mr. Banks thank you guys