CAUGHT ON VIDEO – According to HPD, at 8:29 AM, officers responded to a major accident involving four vehicles on Park Place near 45. The suspect vehicle, described as a white SUV, was seen driving recklessly prior to the crash. Witnesses reported that the suspect’s SUV was causing sparks or debris to fly into the air moments before striking a black SUV and fleeing the scene onto I-45 North.
A short distance north near Woodridge, the suspect allegedly carjacked a second vehicle, another black SUV, at gunpoint. Investigators are still determining whether that vehicle was involved in a separate collision or had become disabled before the carjacking.
After taking the second vehicle, the suspect continued northbound. HPD officers broadcast the suspect’s description and direction of travel. Precinct One Constable Deputies, who heard the broadcast, located a third scene where the suspect was attempting to carjack another vehicle — a white Dodge Ram that had become stranded on the freeway near the 59 northbound split by the George R Brown convention center.
Precinct One Constable Deputies were able to approach the suspect and take him into custody without further incident.
HPD confirmed that a female victim, was found deceased in one of the vehicles involved in the initial crash. HPD expressed their condolences to the victim’s family, noting the added difficulty of such a loss during the holiday season. They asked the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers.
The investigation is expected to be extensive. HPD stated that the suspect will face multiple felony charges, pending review by the District Attorney’s Office.
The cause of the initial collision has not yet been determined. HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division is reconstructing the crash through photographs, measurements, and scene analysis. Findings will be released as the investigation progresses.
