Midtown, TX (August 3, 2025) — A high-speed crash involving a fleeing suspect ended in tragedy early Saturday morning, leaving two people dead and another individual facing murder charges in Midtown.

According to reports, deputies with Harris County Precinct 7 spotted a black Ford F-150 striking multiple vehicles around 2:13 a.m. on August 2 in the 2700 block of Smith Street. When officers attempted to initiate a stop, the truck accelerated, running several red lights during the pursuit.

At the intersection of Elgin and Smith Streets, the F-150 ran another red light and collided with an eastbound white Lexus. The impact sent the Lexus into a building, where it caught fire. Both individuals inside the Lexus were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the F-150, identified as 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, was arrested at the scene and charged with two counts of murder. Deputies reported a strong odor of alcohol and slurred speech during his arrest. A female passenger in the F-150 was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities continue to investigate the deadly collision.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

This report is built on information from early law enforcement accounts and is subject to updates as the investigation unfolds.

• The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending official identification and notification of their families.
• Further investigative efforts will examine the events leading up to the crash, including toxicology results, evidence from the scene, and potential court proceedings.
• For road closures or scene updates, check with local traffic services or municipal alerts for the Midtown area.

This article is intended solely for informational use and does not serve as legal or medical advice. Details are based on available reports at the time of publication. Please refer to our disclaimer for more information.