Passenger loses life after Dodge Charger flees deputies and strikes tree on Clearwood Drive
December 13, 2025 | Houston, TX
Authorities reported a deadly incident in southeast Houston where a high-speed pursuit ended in tragedy. Deputies from Harris County Precinct 2 tried to pull over a blue Dodge Charger weaving erratically on an Interstate 45 feeder road around 5 a.m. The 17-year-old driver from Pasadena ignored the stop and accelerated onto the highway, then veered into a residential area.
Perry Briscoe, 18, of Houston, was pronounced dead after a vehicle went airborne and struck a tree on Clearwood Drive in Houston.
What Happened in the Crash?
The Charger raced through the 9700 block of Clearwood Drive, struck a dip in the road, became airborne, and slammed into a tree. The severe crash tore the vehicle nearly in two. Perry Briscoe, an 18-year-old Houston resident and passenger, suffered fatal injuries and was declared deceased at the location.
The driver sustained injuries requiring hospital treatment before authorities took him into custody at Harris County Jail. He now faces a murder charge related to Briscoe's death. Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the event.
Key Details of the Incident
- Date and Time: Dec. 13, 2025, around 5 a.m.
- Location: 9700 block of Clearwood Drive, southeast Houston
- Vehicles Involved: Blue Dodge Charger
- Agencies: Harris County Precinct 2 Deputies
- Victims: Perry Briscoe, 18, deceased, and the 17-year-old driver, injured and charged
- Outcome: Vehicle crashed into a tree after going airborne, and the driver was charged with murder
Crash Investigation Insights
Investigators are analyzing elements like road conditions, visibility, and potential contributing factors in this pursuit-related collision. Texas saw 4,150 traffic fatalities in 2024, down 3.29% from 4,291 the previous year, per the Texas Department of Transportation. Yet, the state tops national figures, with a death occurring roughly every two hours on its roads.
Statistic |
2023 |
2024 |
Change |
|---|
Texas Traffic Fatalities |
4,291 |
4,150 |
-3.29% |
National Ranking |
#1 |
#1 |
No Change |
Average Deaths per Hour |
About 1 every 2 hours |
About 1 every 2 hours |
Stable |
Data sourced from Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT).
Why Do These Accidents Happen?
Pursuits and erratic driving often stem from factors such as speeding, loss of control, and environmental hazards. In cases such as this, professionals note that thorough reconstructions help clarify sequences and liabilities.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on motor vehicle crashes involving pursuits.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision.”
- Investigations may involve specialized teams to determine fault.
- Families can explore claims for compensation after tragic losses.
- Legal support ensures rights are protected during inquiries.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “We understand just what families must go through, and protecting their rights is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
In situations like high-speed chases ending in crashes, affected parties may pursue wrongful death claims for companionship loss, suffering, and distress.
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If you or a family member has been affected by a similar incident, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free consultation. Use the contact information provided on this page.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).