Man dies after 114 mph pursuit ends with car crashing into a church, sheriff says

HALLSVILLE, Texas - A tragic incident occurred in Texas when a man lost his life in a crash following a high-speed chase with law enforcement. According to authorities in Harrison County, the events unfolded late Monday evening near Hallsville High School, culminating in a collision with the First Baptist Church of Hallsville on North Central Street.

The driver, identified as Jason Thomas Hart, was reportedly traveling at speeds exceeding 100 mph when the crash happened. Harrison County Sheriff B.J. Fletcher recounted that deputies received a call about a vehicle driving dangerously in a mobile home park, nearly colliding with several trailers.

A deputy was able to follow Hart on Farm to Market Road 450, where they clocked him at 114 mph. Despite the sheriff’s department's attempts to pull him over, Hart continued to flee at high speeds.

Witness reports indicate that Hart's vehicle went airborne at a set of railroad tracks before losing control when it hit a ramp. The vehicle ultimately crashed into the church, damaging an awning, and came to rest in a ditch. Emergency responders pronounced Hart dead at the scene, with deputies noting no signs of life upon their arrival.

Sheriff Fletcher expressed concern over the potential danger Hart posed during the pursuit, stating, “This individual put many lives at risk. If this had occurred just a few hours earlier, he might have struck a family or another person in that intersection.”

Church officials remarked that while the damage to their facility could be repaired, the loss of life would have a lasting impact on Hart’s family. They announced that further information would be provided as they assess the extent of the damage and discuss the facility's future use.

As the investigation continues, authorities have submitted Hart's blood for toxicology testing to determine if substances were involved in the crash.