HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — Police said an investigation is underway in West Houston after a man fought with officers and drove away before crashing his car into a tree on Saturday night.
According to the Houston Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported traffic hazard in the 9200 block of Richmond Avenue at about 11:30 p.m.
When officers arrived, they said they found a man asleep in the vehicle at the intersection of Richmond Avenue and Fondren Road. Police said the man was also holding the car’s door handle.
Authorities said they tried to open the door, but the driver slammed it shut and fought with the officers.
HPD said when the officers tried to get him out of the car, they reported smelling alcohol.
Officers said they were able to turn the car off, but the driver turned it back on and drove away several hundred feet before crashing into an oak tree. The vehicle then flipped and rolled over before coming to a stop, investigators said.
Officials said the driver was taken to a local hospital, where he is in critical condition.
HPD did not report any other injuries in the incident. Authorities also did not immediately reveal the driver’s identity.
“Same thing I’ve been saying for the last 20 years, just don’t do it. Especially now, technology has allowed you to be able to use Uber and some other forms of cabs, other forms to be able to get back and forth transportation-wise, but people seem to do it all the time,” HPD Sgt. Derrick Hall said.
Investigators said they will present this information to the District Attorney’s Office, and if the driver survives, he will likely face multiple charges, including drinking while intoxicated.
“Hopefully he makes it and pulls through, but he’s going to be held accountable for his actions tonight,” Hall said.
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