HOUSTON, TX – Constable James “Smokie” Phillips with Harris County Precinct 7 provided an update Monday morning on a deadly Midtown crash that claimed the lives of two men early Saturday.
According to Phillips, the incident began just after 2 a.m. on Aug. 2 when a Precinct 7 deputy observed a black Ford F-150 involved in two separate hit-and-run collisions in the 2700 block of Scott Street. When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the driver refused to stop and fled southbound, running multiple red lights.
The pursuit lasted less than 15 seconds before the F-150 ran a red light at Smith and Elgin streets, colliding with a white Lexus. The crash forced the Lexus into a nearby building, where it caught fire. Both men inside, who were visiting Houston for fraternity and sorority events, were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The driver, identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, was taken into custody at the scene. Phillips said Hernandez showed signs of intoxication and was hospitalized for injuries sustained in the crash. He remains in custody and will be transferred to the Harris County Jail after surgery. The female passenger in the truck suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
Hernandez is charged with two counts of murder. The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Precinct 7 Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Harris County Precinct 7 Constable’s Office or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
