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HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A police chase involving a suspected red light runner ended in a fatal rollover crash in southeast Houston.
The crash occurred on Long Drive near Lancaster Street, just south of I-610 and the I-45 Gulf Freeway. Footage from the scene shows the suspects’ car overturned with the wheels in the air.
According to Houston police, there were four occupants in the car during the crash. Two of them died, and the other two are in critical condition.
At around 2:38 a.m. on Tuesday, HPD reported that the suspects ran a red light, nearly colliding with another car on Broadway Street. Officers attempted to pull the car over, but the driver did not stop, initiating the chase.
The pursuit lasted less than two minutes and ended when the car hit a concrete barrier at the corner of Lancaster and Long, rolling over into a bar parking lot.
One suspect was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other three were transported to the hospital, where a second individual later died, according to HPD.
An investigation is underway to determine what the suspects were doing before the attempted traffic stop. Based on their attire and possessions, police believe the suspects may have been involved in other criminal activities.
“I will say that two of the suspects were wearing black hooded sweaters with gloves on, which is a strong indication that they were involved in some type of criminal activity,” Asst. Chief Adrian Rodriguez said. “I cannot be certain that is the case, but it appears to be so.”
Rodriguez also noted that investigators found burglary tools, including a gun that was initially thought to be a pistol but turned out to be a BB gun, as well as screwdrivers.
The names and ages of the suspects were not immediately released, though the assistant chief mentioned they appeared to be young. The driver, one of the two survivors, is facing at least a felony evading charge, with additional charges possible.