HOUSTON, TX – Two people were killed early Saturday morning after a police pursuit ended in a fiery crash in Midtown Houston.
The incident began around 2:13 a.m. when a Precinct 7 deputy observed a black F-150 strike two vehicles in the 2700 block of Smith Street. The driver fled southbound at a high rate of speed, running multiple red lights as the deputy pursued.
At the intersection of Elgin and Smith, the F-150 ran a red light and collided with a white Lexus traveling eastbound. The Lexus spun out, struck a building, and caught fire. Both occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver, identified as a Hispanic male, was taken into custody. Police said at the scene he exhibited a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech. He is being evaluated for DWI and faces murder charges because he was committing a felony when the deaths occurred.
A female passenger in the suspect’s vehicle sustained non-incapacitating injuries and was taken to a hospital. No other injuries were reported, though additional vehicles were struck between the initial crash and the final scene.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is assisting with the investigation. If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Houston Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
You can watch the full update from HPD below:
