Fatal Crash on Katy Freeway Feeder Followed West Houston Burglary Call, Closing Lanes for Hours

Crash investigation tied to early-morning burglary call

A fatal crash on the westbound Katy Freeway service road in west Houston shut down portions of the feeder and blocked multiple main-lane lanes for hours early Wednesday, February 4, 2026, as investigators worked to document the scene and reconstruct what happened.

Houston police said the crash occurred at about 3:15 a.m. near 9900 Katy Freeway (West Interstate Highway 10), after officers were responding to a reported burglary in progress in the 1800 block of Gessner Road.

What police say happened

Police reported that while officers were heading toward the burglary call, they observed a vehicle—a red Buick Century—traveling at a high rate of speed. Officers attempted to catch up and activated emergency equipment.

Investigators said the vehicle continued southbound on Witte Road, ran a stop sign at the westbound Katy Freeway service road, and struck the freeway wall. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene by Houston Fire Department paramedics.

Two male passengers, ages 65 and 69, were transported to an area hospital. The deceased driver was described as a 59-year-old man; his identity had not been released pending notification of family.

Burglary details and evidence reported at the scene

The crash was tied to the burglary-in-progress call that initiated the police response. In the vehicle, officers found multiple new car batteries, police said. Authorities have not released the names of those involved or announced any charges related to the burglary as of Wednesday morning.

• Time of crash: about 3:15 a.m., February 4, 2026

• Crash location: 9900 Katy Freeway, westbound service road near Witte Road

• Incident leading up to response: burglary in progress call at 1800 Gessner Road

• Casualties: one deceased at scene; two hospitalized passengers

Traffic impacts and ongoing questions

The wreck blocked the feeder road and left multiple westbound I-10 lanes affected during the morning commute window. Police said the Vehicular Crimes Division was investigating and had not released final findings on contributing factors such as speed, impairment, or mechanical failure.

Authorities emphasized the investigation remained ongoing, with additional details expected after next-of-kin notifications and further crash-scene analysis.