What began as a reported shoplifting at a Galleria-area clothing store ended in tragedy Thursday night when two women were hit and killed while running across a Houston freeway following a police chase, according to the Houston Police Department.
Assistant Chief James Bryant said officers were called around 9:15 p.m. to an Old Navy near the 5000 block of Westheimer Road for a reported shoplifting.
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Police obtained a description of the suspect vehicle and located it near South Rice Avenue and Westpark Drive. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to stop, prompting a chase.
According to HPD, the suspect vehicle entered the northbound lanes of US-59 and continued toward the Interstate 45 interchange.
As the pursuit approached the interchange, investigators said the dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe was involved in a minor crash with another vehicle.
After the crash, all four women inside the SUV got out and ran across the freeway.
Police said the women successfully crossed the northbound lanes but were attempting to cross the southbound lanes when two of them were struck by passing vehicles.
Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
The other two women were detained shortly afterward and are now in police custody.
Bryant said investigators have not yet identified all of the women, and their names will not be released until next of kin have been notified.
Police also said a tracking device helped officers locate the suspect vehicle during the pursuit.
The investigation remains ongoing.