Two Women Killed in Houston, TX, After Being Struck by Vehicles During US-59 Police Chase Escape
Two women have died following a tragic incident on US-59 in Houston, Texas, after they were struck by vehicles while attempting to cross the freeway after a police pursuit connected to a reported shoplifting incident.
According to the Houston Police Department, the deadly chain of events began Thursday night when officers responded around 9:15 p.m. to an Old Navy store near the 5000 block of Westheimer Road following reports of a theft. Authorities said officers received information about the suspect vehicle and later located it near South Rice Avenue and Westpark Drive.
Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver allegedly refused to pull over, leading officers on a pursuit. The suspect vehicle, described as a dark-colored Chevrolet Tahoe, entered the northbound lanes of US-59 and continued toward the Interstate 45 interchange.
Investigators said the SUV was involved in a minor crash with another vehicle during the pursuit. Following the collision, all four women inside the Tahoe exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot across the busy freeway.
Police said the group managed to cross the northbound lanes but were struck while attempting to cross the southbound lanes. Two women were hit by passing vehicles and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The identities of the two victims have not yet been released as authorities work to notify their families. Police have not provided additional details about their ages, backgrounds, or where they lived.
The other two women who were inside the SUV were detained shortly after the crash and remain in police custody. Authorities said a tracking device played a role in locating the suspect vehicle during the pursuit.
The cause of death for both women was determined to be injuries sustained from being struck by vehicles while crossing US-59 during the aftermath of the police chase.
The Houston Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the pursuit, the crash, and the events that led to the fatal freeway crossing. Further information, including the identities of the victims and any potential charges, is expected to be released as the investigation progresses.