HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A teenager riding a minibike died in a crash after a brief chase by a deputy who tried to stop him for traffic violations, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.
According to HCSO, the pursuit began on Saturday at around 1:30 p.m. in the 15100 block of Wallisville Road.
Deputies said the teen was riding an unauthorized gas-powered minibike when a deputy saw him commit several traffic violations.
Major Ben Katrib said the deputy activated his lights and sirens and tried to pull the teen over, but the teen did not stop, prompting a short chase.
The sheriff’s office said the teen tried to get away at a dangerous speed, driving recklessly and on the wrong side of the road.
According to HCSO, the teen ran a red light on Uvalde Road while still driving the wrong way, crashing into a Ford Expedition that was making a lawful turn.
Deputies said paramedics pronounced the teen dead at the scene.
Deputies did not share the teen’s name or exact age, but Katrib said he appeared to be a young man in his early teens.
Katrib said the chase lasted no more than two minutes and that if the teen had stopped, he probably would have only received a minor ticket.
“You always want to wear a helmet when operating a bike, regardless if it’s a minibike or not,” Katrib said. “The best thing to do is to stay off the public roadway if [the bike] is not intended for the public roadway.”
The sheriff’s office said it has video of the crash, and the Vehicular Crimes Division is still investigating.
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