PEARLAND, TX – A 14-year-old boy tragically lost his life in a fatal collision on State Highway 288 Wednesday night following a police chase initiated after the teen’s family reported him missing.
The incident began in Houston, where the boy’s mother filed a missing person’s report, concerned that her son had left home 24 hours earlier in her car. In a separate vehicle, the family located the teen and attempted to get his attention.
The situation escalated in Pearland when the teen, reportedly unaware he was being pursued by his family, ran a red light and entered SH-288. The family alerted a nearby Pearland police officer, who, believing the teen was evading a traffic stop, gave chase.
Tragically, within a minute, the 14-year-old crashed into the highway barrier. He then attempted to cross multiple lanes of traffic but was struck by a vehicle in the southbound lanes. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at Ben Taub Hospital.
The incident has left the community and law enforcement grappling with the devastating outcome. Pearland police officer Chad Rogers described the situation as “an extremely tragic case,” emphasizing the difficult decisions officers face in rapidly evolving situations.
While the investigation continues, no charges are expected to be filed against any party involved. The driver who crashed into the teen’s car stayed on the scene and cooperated with authorities.