2 injured as SUV plows through home

Originally posted in the Humble Observer'===

By STEFANIE THOMAS
Updated: 02.17.09

An Atascocita couple was hospitalized in stable condition after an SUV crashed through their front door in the 18000 block of Singing Woods Drive at approximately 10:45 p.m. Feb. 16.

“[We] found a 2008 Chevrolet Suburban completely inside the living room of a single story residence,” said Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department spokesman Bob Kelshaw. “The two home owners were on the ground in the back yard where they had been pushed while watching television on their couch.”

Ray Vargas, a family friend of homeowners Raul and Lisa Valles, said the driver of the SUV was intoxicated when he smashed into the residence.

“He was being followed by another truck because he had started something with someone at a bar,” Vargas said. Kelshaw noted that the driver apparently targeted the truck, whose owner ultimately gave pursuit, with a paintball gun.

Vargas said that the SUV was reportedly traveling west on Echo Pines Drive, disregarded the stop sign at the T-intersection of Singing Woods and continued straight.

“He must have been going very fast,” said Kelshaw. “It looked like he hit the curb and didn’t even touch ground again until he hit the house.”

The driver and passenger where taken into custody by Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s deputies. Charges are pending the completion of the investigation.

Authorities said that the driver, whose name was not immediately available, exited his SUV once it came to rest in the Valles’ living room, and attempted to hide in the kitchen. The driver of the second car reportedly detained the man until first responders arrived at the scene.

The damage to the Valles residence is extensive. Utilities had to be disconnected, Vargas said, to prevent gas leaks and portential fires.

Raul Valles, who owns Skeeter’s Mesquite Grill in Kingwood, was recovering from brain surgery at the time of the accident. He and his wife were transported to Kingwood Medical Center Hospital.

“They were very lucky,” Kelshaw said.