HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A driver who ran a red light sparked a pursuit that ended in a deadly crash and fire late Saturday night in northwest Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident happened around 10 p.m. near the intersection of Telge Road and Spring Cypress Road.
Deputies said a marked patrol unit observed a vehicle run a red light at Spring Cypress at Louetta Road while traveling westbound, with the deputy stopped at the red light on the opposite side of the roadway.
According to investigators, the deputy activated emergency lights and a siren and turned around to follow the vehicle. Authorities said the driver started speeding and turned off its lights, and the deputy lost sight of it.
Deputies said the vehicle continued westbound through the intersection, went down a ramp, and into a wooded area. The deputy arrived at the intersection unsure which direction the vehicle had traveled and searched south on Telge Road before turning back.
Investigators said the deputy then noticed a fire burning in the woods and believed it was connected to the same vehicle that fled. Authorities said one person was ejected from the vehicle and another person was found still seated inside. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. The vehicle was fully engulfed in flames.
“Speed is obviously going to be a factor,” HCSO Major A. McConnel said at the scene. “It didn’t have to happen. Pull over, get your ticket for running the red light. This decision is something that’s gonna affect a family for the rest of their lives. So I just ask that you share the road with others and drive safe.”
The relationship between the two occupants was not known as of Sunday.