February 7, 2012 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident at 9600 East Hardy Road about 1:55 a.m. today.

The identity of the deceased male, 22, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant I. Izaguirre and Officer M. Pritchard reported:

An officer with the DWI Task Force saw a white Ford F-150 pickup truck without its headlights on nearly strike another vehicle on East Crosstimbers near Irvington. The officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, but the driver of the pickup refused to stop. Instead, the suspect sped from and led the officer on a short, four-minute vehicle pursuit. The suspect fled north on East Hardy Road and left the roadway, struck a tree and then a residence at 9622 East Hardy Road. Paramedics pronounced the suspect dead at the scene.

The truck struck the front of the home and heavily damaged a porch and bedroom. A female asleep in the bedroom managed to crawl out from the debris and suffered only scratches. None of the other four residents inside was injured. The crash ruptured a gas line that was quickly contained by Houston Fire Department personnel.

The investigation is continuing.

JFC/JKS 2-7-13
Inc #015579213-N