On Thursday, February 1, 2024, a police chase in Dallas, Texas ended tragically when a stolen vehicle crashed and caught fire, leading to the death of all four passengers.

The driver, in an attempt to elude Irving police, lost control of the vehicle, which then went off the Woodall Rodgers Freeway ramp and crashed near Interstate 35.

The pursuit started around 2 a.m. in Irving, Texas when Dallas police officers noticed the stolen vehicle on the 3200 block of North Beltline Road. 

Despite attempts by officers to halt the vehicle, the driver accelerated, leading Irving police on a high-speed pursuit into Dallas. 

“The vehicle lost control, exited the ramp to Woodall Rodgers, and crashed, resulting in a massive fire,” relayed Irving Police spokesperson Anthony Alexander.

The Dallas Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 21-year-old Sabria Lacey, 21-year-old Anthony Lisbon, 22-year-old DeAvion Aubert, and 21-year-old Robert Gowans Jr.

A Dallas County Sheriff’s Office deputy was injured during the chase when the stolen vehicle struck a light pole, which then fell onto the deputy’s vehicle. The injuries were not life-threatening.

The subsequent investigation and cleanup resulted in the closure of the Woodall Rodgers exit ramp on southbound I-35E, and the Continental exit off northbound I-35E, causing significant disruption to early morning traffic. 

The incident has elicited varying reactions from Irving residents concerning the police’s strategy in pursuing stolen vehicles. 

Currently, an investigation is underway to establish whether the Irving Police Department’s policy on vehicle pursuits was adhered to during the incident.