A driver could face a possible murder charge after he allegedly struck and killed an innocent bystander on a sidewalk in Houston early Sunday while attempting to mow down his domestic partner, according to police.
The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. after patrol officers in the city’s Midtown area responded to what they initially thought was a gunshot and found the mortally injured victim on the sidewalk, Robert Ementich, a spokesperson for the Houston Police Department, said during a news conference.
“It’s my understanding that the victim, the decedent, was actually the manager of one of the nightclubs and was preparing to go home,” Ementich said.
Police units respond to the scene of a crime scene.
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Witnesses, including the alleged intended target, told police the suspect and his domestic partner were involved in an altercation at a nightclub and left the establishment, Ementich said.
“Upon leaving the establishment, the male got into the vehicle and started driving around and struck multiple vehicles,” Ementich said.
Ementich said the driver’s domestic partner alleged to investigators that the suspect, whose name was not immediately released, intended to strike her with the vehicle when he hit the innocent bystander.
“She was able to get out of the way,” Ementich said of the suspect’s companion. “Unfortunately, an innocent bystander who was walking on the sidewalk was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.”
Ementich said the Houston Fire Department administered first aid, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
The name of the woman killed was being withheld by police pending an autopsy and notification of her relatives.
Ementich said it was not immediately clear if the suspect’s domestic partner was his wife or girlfriend.
With help from witnesses, police officers located the suspect several blocks away and took him into custody, Ementich said.
Ementich said police and prosecutors are looking into possibly filing a murder charge against the suspect, alleging it was an “intentional act” to try to hit his partner.
“It’s kind of like if he were to pull out a gun and try shooting his wife and missed. It was still his intention to use a deadly weapon,” Ementich said. “Instead of a 160-grain bullet, he used a 4,000-pound motor vehicle as his weapon of choice.”
A recent news story has shocked the community as police have reported an alleged incident in which a driver caused a fatality while attempting to harm their domestic partner. The incident, which occurred in a quiet neighborhood, has left many residents in disbelief and has raised questions about the dangers of domestic violence.
According to police reports, the driver, who has not been identified, was involved in a heated argument with their domestic partner when they decided to get behind the wheel of a car. Witnesses say that the driver appeared to be intoxicated and was driving erratically before intentionally striking their partner, who was walking on the sidewalk.
Tragically, the impact of the collision resulted in the death of the domestic partner, leaving family and friends devastated by the senseless act of violence. The driver was taken into custody at the scene and is facing charges of vehicular manslaughter and domestic violence.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences that can result from abusive behavior. It is a sobering reminder that domestic violence is not just limited to physical abuse within the home, but can also spill over into other areas of life, putting innocent bystanders at risk.
It is important for individuals who are experiencing domestic violence to seek help and support from friends, family, or local organizations that specialize in providing assistance to victims of abuse. No one should have to live in fear of their partner, and there are resources available to help those who are in need.
In addition, it is crucial for law enforcement agencies to take incidents of domestic violence seriously and to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. By taking a proactive approach to addressing domestic violence, we can work towards creating safer communities for all individuals.
As the community mourns the loss of the victim in this tragic incident, it is important for us to come together to support one another and to send a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated. By raising awareness about the dangers of abusive behavior and working towards prevention efforts, we can strive towards creating a society where everyone feels safe and respected in their relationships.
