HOUSTON – A suspect is charged after he attempted to flee from officers in a pursuit that ended in a multi-vehicle crash, killing one person and injuring another Friday afternoon.
Damian West, 21, is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault. His mug shot was released on Saturday.
According to the Houston Police Department, the pursuit began after officers tried to stop a driver at an H-E-B in the 1000 block of Kempwood Drive in northwest Houston. Officers spotted West in a group that was consistent with a street takeover.
West then took police on a high-speed chase before he reportedly blew through a red light, hit a car, and caused a chain reaction crash to several vehicles nearby.
The multi-vehicle crash occurred in the 15300 block of Hempstead Road near West Little York, officials say.
The victim who died from the crash was an innocent bystander, HPD Assistant Chief Ban Tien highlighted. A female passenger in that car was taken to the hospital in critical condition.
Police said a total of five vehicles were involved in the crash.
According to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office, West was previously charged with unlawful carry of a weapon in February of 2021.