On Tuesday, a stolen vehicle being chased by Harris County sheriff's deputies crashed into a school bus carrying 27 Aldine ISD students along the Eastex (I-69) service road in northeast Harris County. Deputies arrested the 17-year-old driver at the scene, recovered a stolen firearm, and called emergency crews to check all students on board. Four students were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.
Short Chase From Eastex And Lee Road Ends In Crash
Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said in a post on X that deputies engaged in a short pursuit that began near the Eastex Freeway and Lee Road and ended in the 14200 block of the Eastex Freeway service road on the east side. He estimated the chase lasted about five minutes. According to the sheriff's office, the vehicle was reported stolen, and deputies recovered a gun at the scene.
Students Evaluated, Four Taken To Hospital
According to Houston Chronicle, 27 students were on the bus when the crash occurred, and EMS crews evaluated everyone on board. The Chronicle reported that four students were taken to a local hospital with minor injuries and that the injuries did not appear to be life-threatening.
Teen Suspect In Custody As Deputies Probe Crash
Officials said the 17-year-old suspect was taken into custody after the crash and remained jailed while deputies continued their investigation. The sheriff's office post on X noted that deputies and EMS were on scene and that authorities recovered what was described as a stolen firearm. Detectives are still working to sort out the details of the pursuit and the collision.
Bus Safety, Reporting Practices Under Ongoing Scrutiny
Crashes involving school buses are relatively rare, but they have drawn increased attention to how districts track and report incidents. A Houston Chronicle analysis previously documented gaps in reporting across Harris County. After on-route collisions, investigators typically review bus logs, video and driver reports to determine next steps and to notify families.
