An investigation is ongoing after a tragic fiery crash early Saturday morning in Midtown resulted in the deaths of two men who were in Houston attending a fraternity event.
Shortly after 2 a.m., deputy constables observed a Ford F-150 strike two vehicles and then continue driving. Efforts to stop the vehicle, later identified as driven by 21-year-old Rene Hernandez, were initially unsuccessful.
Hernandez allegedly refused to stop, leading to a short pursuit that lasted about 15 seconds, during which he reportedly ran several red lights. At the intersection of Elgin and Smith, Hernandez is said to have run a red light, crashing into a Lexus. The collision forced the Lexus into a building, which then caught fire.
Two men in the Lexus, identified as 22-year-olds Jayden Flemming and Ronnie Burns II—both recent graduates of Florida A&M University and attendees of the annual Texas Greek Picnic—were pronounced dead at the scene.
Hernandez sustained injuries from the crash and was transported to the hospital. A woman in the truck with him was also injured, though her injuries are not considered life-threatening.
As of Monday morning, Hernandez remains hospitalized. Once he recovers, he will be transferred to Harris County Jail. He faces two murder charges, as authorities allege he was engaged in a felony when the crash occurred.
Body camera footage exists but has not yet been released, as it is part of the ongoing investigation.
Harris County Precinct 7 officials confirmed that the pursuit was conducted in accordance with department protocols, and the deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave.
