Harris County, Texas was rocked by a tragic incident on Wednesday when a chase suspect hit and killed a woman waiting for a bus. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Joseph Jebbia, was being pursued by the Montgomery County Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force for an aggravated assault warrant. The chase began at around 2:15 p.m. and quickly escalated, leading law enforcement into the Houston area.
Deputies attempted to pull Jebbia over, but he refused to stop and continued to flee. The pursuit came to a devastating end at the intersection of North Freeway and West Road, where Jebbia ran a red light, causing a chain reaction that resulted in the death of a woman waiting at a bus stop. Despite this tragic event, Jebbia continued to evade law enforcement until he eventually crashed on State Highway 249 and Smiling Wood Lane.
Surveillance video obtained by ABC13 captured the harrowing moment when Jebbia’s vehicle collided with another car and spun out of control. Law enforcement quickly surrounded his vehicle and apprehended him. Upon searching his vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded assault rifle, body armor, and nearly one kilo of fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid.
Lt. Scott Spencer of the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office described Jebbia as a „career criminal with a history of violence“ who was determined not to return to jail. Spencer expressed relief that Jebbia was finally off the streets for good, emphasizing the danger he posed to the community.
Following his arrest, Jebbia was taken to Harris County Jail to face charges related to the pursuit and the fatal crash. The identity of the woman killed at the bus stop has not been released, with authorities only disclosing that she was a Hispanic woman in her 50s.
The Houston Police Department announced that they would also be investigating the crash portion of the incident, as it occurred within city limits. The tragic events of that day serve as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by reckless individuals like Jebbia and the importance of swift and decisive law enforcement action to protect the public.
As the community mourns the loss of the innocent victim and grapples with the aftermath of this senseless tragedy, authorities continue to work diligently to ensure that justice is served. The impact of this incident will be felt for years to come, underscoring the need for vigilance and accountability in the pursuit of public safety.
Copyright © 2024 KTRK-TV. All Rights Reserved.