Killeen, TX (February 6, 2025) – A tragic high-speed crash near the Red Lobster in Killeen resulted in the death of a 67-year-old woman and left several others injured on Wednesday. The crash occurred after two teenagers fleeing police in a stolen Jeep Gladiator plowed into an intersection, severely damaging two other vehicles.
According to the Killeen Police Department, officers identified a grey Jeep truck that had been reported stolen earlier in the day near Veterans Memorial Boulevard and 10th Street. When officers attempted a traffic stop shortly before noon, the driver refused to comply, continuing southbound on Trimmier Road. In an attempt to evade police, the Jeep swerved into the northbound lane and collided with a silver Ford Fusion. The impact caused the Fusion to crash into a black Ford F-150, rolling the pickup truck onto its side.
The 67-year-old woman driving the Ford Fusion was pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman. Two other occupants of the Fusion sustained injuries and were transported to Baylor, Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, where they are reported to be in stable condition. The driver of the Ford F-150 also suffered injuries and was taken to the same medical facility for treatment.
The two male teenagers, ages 15 and 14, fled the scene on foot but were quickly apprehended by police. Killeen Police Chief Pete Lopez confirmed that two firearms were found inside the stolen Jeep.
The scene attracted attention from nearby businesses, including patrons from the First National Bank at the corner of Trimmier and West Central Texas Expressway. More than a dozen police vehicles, ambulances, and fire trucks responded to the incident. Trimmier Road was closed from Jasper Street to West Central Expressway for over two hours as authorities worked to clear the scene.
The case remains under investigation and will be referred to the Bell County District Attorney’s Office for further review.
Our thoughts are with the family of the victim and all those affected by this tragic event.
The Dangers of Police Chases and High-Speed Collisions in Texas
High-speed police chase, like the one that resulted in this tragic crash in Killeen, pose significant risks not only to those involved in the pursuit but also to innocent bystanders and other drivers. In Texas, incidents involving stolen vehicles and police pursuits have been on the rise, leading to increased scrutiny of pursuit policies and public safety protocols.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, high-speed chases can escalate quickly, often leading to severe or fatal crashes. Factors such as reckless driving, failure to obey traffic signals, and sudden lane changes significantly increase the likelihood of collisions during these pursuits. Innocent motorists, like the 67-year-old woman killed in this incident, often bear the brunt of these dangerous situations.
For victims and their families, the aftermath of such incidents can be devastating. Beyond the immediate loss of life or injury, families may face emotional trauma, financial burdens from medical expenses, and legal complexities when seeking justice. In cases where reckless or criminal behavior contributes to a fatal crash, families may have the right to pursue legal action for wrongful death or personal injury.
Understanding your legal rights following a high-speed collision is essential. Consulting with legal professionals can help victims and their families navigate insurance claims, potential lawsuits, and other legal matters to ensure they receive the support and compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been affected by a crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for assistance.
