The Harris County Constable Precinct 7 Office will hold a press conference today following a deadly crash that killed two people during a high-speed chase in Midtown.
Deputies say the incident began just after 2 a.m. Saturday, when a Precinct 7 unit witnessed a black F-150 involved in multiple hit-and-run crashes near the 2700 block of Smith Street. When deputies attempted to stop the truck, the driver sped off, running red lights as he fled through the city.
BACKGROUND: Man charged with murder after killing 2 in crash during high-speed pursuit
Moments later, at the intersection of Smith and Elgin streets, the suspect’s vehicle ran a red light and slammed into a white Lexus. The impact caused the Lexus to hit a building and burst into flames. Both people inside the Lexus were pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the truck, identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, was taken into custody and is now charged with two counts of murder. Investigators say Hernandez showed signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and a strong odor of alcohol.
A woman who was inside the suspect’s truck was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The case is being investigated by Harris County Precinct 7, the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.
KPRC 2 will livestream the press conference today at 11:30 a.m.
Copyright 2025 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.