Baytown Police Confirm Two Children Dead After Crash Involving Officer

Overview

• Authorities said the two children, ages 8 and 10, who were airlifted after the Oct. 23 collision at West Baker Road and Country Club Drive, have died.
• Two other children from the minivan remain hospitalized in critical condition, according to the Baytown Police Department.
• Officer Michael Hightower was on duty responding to a weapons call when the marked patrol vehicle collided with the 2023 Honda Odyssey carrying five minors.
• Hightower sustained a leg injury, was flown to a hospital for treatment, and has since been released, police said.
• Baytown police say a full investigation is underway with outside partners and reconstruction teams, while community fundraisers have been launched to support the Russell family.