Lubbock, TX (May 8, 2026) – A 70-year-old man walking his dog was struck and killed by a fleeing suspect on Thursday, May 7, after a vehicle pursuit that began near 34th St and Frankford Ave. The incident unfolded over roughly 15 minutes before ending with a fatality and an arrest.
An officer attempted a traffic stop at 11:31 a.m., but the driver sped away aggressively, prompting a chase. Authorities called off the pursuit at 11:36 a.m. and requested an aerial unit to track the vehicle from above.
A sheriff’s deputy resumed the chase after the vehicle was spotted turning west onto 82nd St from Knoxville Ave. Around 11:45 a.m., the suspect struck the pedestrian near 93rd St and Memphis Ave.
The victim was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect, identified as 65-year-old Gene Davis, was taken into custody at the scene.
The incident remains under review by authorities, and more details will be released as they become available. We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim.
How Do Police Pursuits in Texas Put Pedestrians at Risk?
Vehicle pursuits create dangerous conditions for everyone in the surrounding area, including people on foot who have no warning that a chase is approaching. In Texas, high-speed evasions can cover several miles in just minutes, passing through residential streets and intersections where pedestrians are present. The risk increases sharply when a suspect changes direction frequently or enters neighborhood roads.
When a pursuit is called off, a fleeing driver does not always slow down. In many cases, drivers continue at dangerous speeds even when there is no police officer directly behind them. Pedestrians in the area have no way of knowing a threat is approaching, which makes this type of incident especially difficult to prevent.
