A shoplifting spree in Houston turned deadly when a car chase killed a mother and injured her three children.
Three women stole thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from the Macy's at Deerbrook Mall and then raced away in their vehicle. Officers from the Humble Police Department chased after the red Dodge Avenger, which was being driven by 21-year-old Shiquinta Franklin. Franklin fled the Houston city limits and traveled southbound on the Eastex Freeway. She exited the freeway, ran a red light at the intersection of the Eastex Freeway service road and Quitman, and struck a maroon Chevrolet Malibu driven by the 43-year-old victim. The impact of the crash caused the Malibu to roll over, and the victim, whose name has not yet been released, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim's three children, ages 5, 7, and 15, were all taken to Ben Taub Hospital. The two youngest have since been transferred to Texas Children's Hospital. Franklin and her two passengers were taken to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
Franklin has now been accused of felony murder, evading arrest, and several other crimes relating to the end of the chase. The Humble Police Department has received some criticism for how they handled the incident.
"They were thieves, but all they had to do was get their license plates and then find out where they live and catch them," the victim's neighbor, Alfredo Rodriguez said.
The Humble Police Department has not commented on their chase policy or whether any rules were violated.
We offer our most heartfelt condolences to the victim's family and friends following this tragic Texas car crash.