Downtown Houston collision overturns HPD K-9 unit en route to pursuit

HOUSTON – A Houston police K-9 officer was injured in a crash in Downtown Houston around midnight Saturday while responding to assist officers involved in a pursuit near Allen Parkway and Dunlavy Street, police said.

The officer was driving south on Smith Street when another vehicle traveling west on Pease Street collided with the patrol unit, according to investigators. The impact caused the patrol vehicle to flip and roll nearly an entire block.

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Police said the officer was able to get his bearings, radio his location and check on the occupants of the other vehicle. He was taken to a nearby hospital and is believed to be in stable condition. The K-9 was also transported for evaluation as a precaution.

Police said the officer had his lights and sirens on at the time of the crash.

Lt. Ali said there were two other occupants in the civilian vehicle. Both were taken to local hospitals, but their conditions were not immediately known.

The crash remains under investigation. HPD Vehicular Crimes and DWI units responded to the scene.