A deadly and chaotic series of events unfolded in southeast Houston Friday morning after a major crash led to gunfire and multiple carjackings across the city, according to Houston Police.
HPD officers were first called at 8:29 a.m. to a major accident involving four vehicles on Park Place Boulevard near the Gulf Freeway.
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The driver, who police said was responsible for the initial crash, was in a white SUV. After the collision, police say he got out of the vehicle, pulled out a gun, and fired several rounds into the air.
Police said the man then carjacked a black SUV at gunpoint and fled north onto I-45.
A woman who was inside one of the vehicles at the crash scene was pronounced dead. Authorities have not confirmed whether she died as a result of the collision or from gunfire. HPD says it is waiting for the medical examiner’s determination before releasing additional details, out of respect for the family.
A short time later, he allegedly carjacked a second black SUV near Woodridge Drive. Investigators have not yet confirmed why or how he switched vehicles a second time.
Officers began searching for the newly stolen vehicle.
Harris County Precinct 1 deputies ultimately found the suspect on Highway 59 northbound, near the George R. Brown Convention Center, where police say he was attempting to carjack yet another vehicle — this time, a white Dodge Ram truck that was stranded on the side of the road.
Precinct 1 deputies apprehended him there, and he was taken into custody without further violence.
Police say the suspect had minor injuries and was transported to a hospital.
Assistant Chief Rodriguez said investigators anticipate multiple felony charges for the suspect.
HPD is still working to determine what led to the initial crash and says the crime scenes span multiple locations.
Authorities warned that the Park Place Boulevard scene will keep the roadway closed for an extended period, and other related road closures are possible. They are urging drivers to use alternate routes.
Because the scene was chaotic and multiple people fled during the incident, HPD is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Houston at 713-222-TIPS.