An alleged hit-and-run in west Fort Worth turned deadly yesterday after a brief police chase ended with a solo driver found dead along Camp Bowie Boulevard, authorities said. What started as a routine drive on the West Freeway quickly escalated into a pursuit that brought traffic to a standstill and investigators swarming the scene.
How Police Say the Chase Unfolded
According to officers, the trouble began just after 4:30 p.m. on the West Freeway near Horne Street, when a motorist called 911 to report that his vehicle had been hit. He told dispatchers he was following the other car, which he believed had just fled the scene of the crash.
West Division officers soon spotted the suspected vehicle near Camp Bowie Boulevard and tried to pull it over. Instead of stopping, police say, the driver took off eastbound, prompting a short pursuit. The chase ended in the 3700 block of Camp Bowie Boulevard when the car jumped a curb and hit a tree. The driver, who was the only person in the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. No officers or bystanders were reported hurt, according to CBS News Texas.
Police Response and What Investigators Are Looking For
Fort Worth police shut down traffic around the crash site while West Division officers and investigators documented the scene. The department is asking anyone with information or relevant video to come forward.
The Fort Worth Police Department lists its non-emergency line, 817-392-4222, and provides online tools for filing reports and obtaining accident records for those who may have details to share, according to the Fort Worth Police Department.
Legal Stakes for Hit-And-Run Deaths
Under Texas law, drivers involved in crashes that cause injury or death are required to stop, call for help when needed, and exchange information with first responders and those involved. Leaving the scene of a wreck that results in a death is a felony, with penalties that increase based on the severity of the injuries or fatality. The full statute is outlined in Texas Transportation Code §550.021.
Investigators continue to examine what led up to the crash, and Fort Worth police have said they plan to release more details as the case develops, according to CBS News Texas.
