All lanes of West Baker Road, from Village Lane to Country Club Drive, were closed as an investigation into the major accident was underway Thursday night, the Baytown Police Department said.
Baytown PD said the crash, which occurred shortly after 7 p.m., involved an on-duty Baytown police officer driving a marked patrol unit. They added that the officer suffered a leg injury and was flown to the hospital, where they are now stabilized.
The driver behind the wheel of the other vehicle was a Baytown woman and was occupied by five minors, Baytown PD said. They also said two of the minors were flown to the hospital, while the remaining occupants were treated at the scene for their injuries. Baytown PD added that the extent of their injuries is unknown.
While the Harris County District Attorney's Office said the crash was deadly, Baytown PD could not confirm whether or not there was a fatality. The district attorney's office did not say which party was killed in the crash.
"This is a tragedy for everyone involved and impacted by this event," said Baytown Police Chief John Stringer in a press release. "Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the children and family involved, as well as our officer, the officer's family, and the Baytown officers who responded to the scene. While this has been a difficult time for everyone, we are grateful that our officer is in stable condition. The department's Traffic Reconstruction Team is investigating in accordance with standard procedures and is cooperating fully to ensure a transparent and factual review of this incident. We ask for patience and objectivity from the community as we gather all information, which may take some time. I would also like to recognize the professional and compassionate response of our officers who provided aid to all involved."
The Baytown Police Department's Crash Reconstruction Team, along with the Harris County District Attorney's Office Vehicular Crimes Division (VCD), is conducting the investigation into the crash.