Police chase ends in fatal, fiery crash in east Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A person was killed during a police chase in east Harris County early Wednesday morning.

According to police, the chase started around 1:18 a.m. near Thompson Road and Jones Road after the driver of a Chevrolet Impala refused to stop when authorities tried to pull the vehicle over for speeding.

The driver sped off and got onto I-10 the East Freeway, going westbound on eastbound lanes hitting speeds of over 100 mph, police said. 

Officer said the chase went for several miles until the driver crashed into one of the extra barriers in place due to construction near the East Freeway and Magnolia. 

According to police, the vehicle went airborne and struck a passing 18-wheeler causing the truck driver to lose control and go off into the grassy area alongside the freeway.

The Impala burst into flames on impact and driver ejected from the vehicle. Both the car and driver were engulfed by the fire, police said.

The other driver was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The freeway has since reopened.


About the Author:

Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli has been a digital news editor at KPRC 2 since 2018. She is a published poet and has background in creative writing and journalism. Daniela has covered events like Hurricane Harvey and the Astros World Series win. In her spare time, Daniela is an avid reader and loves to spend time with her two miniature dachshunds.