One dead in high speed chase

UPSHUR COUNTY — A high-speed pursuit in Upshur County ended in a fatal crash that killed a minor Sunday night. According to our news partner and the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began around 9:48 p.m. on Sunday, when a sheriff’s deputy observed a dark-colored passenger vehicle speeding northbound near the intersection of State Highway 155 and Apricot Road. When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, identified as Steve Reneau, did not stop and continued driving northbound. Reneau entered Gilmer and turned onto State Highway 271, where officials say he drove through the city at around 90 miles per hour.

Reneau continued increasing his speed to more than 100 mph and lost control of the vehicle, which led to the crash in the 3300 block of Chipmunk Road. Both Reneau and a passenger who remains unidentified were ejected from the vehicle, which ended up on top of them, officials said.

Fire and emergency medical services were dispatched to the scene and worked to remove the passenger from beneath the vehicle. Other personnel used equipment to free Reneau, who was airlifted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The passenger later died from injuries sustained in the crash and criminal charges against Reneau are forthcoming as this remains an ongoing investigation, authorities said.

“Our hearts are with the family and loved ones during this devastating time,” the Upshur County Sheriff’s Office said. “What began as a routine traffic stop escalated into a tragic and preventable event. This loss of life underscores the serious dangers associated with fleeing from law enforcement and the profound consequences such decisions can have on innocent lives.”

Additional law enforcement officers, including deputies from Upshur County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and one Upshur County Constable, assisted with the pursuit.