Deadly Beltway 8 crash did not involve 18-wheeler, Houston police say

The 18-wheeler that was suspected of causing a deadly crash near Beltway 8 is no longer wanted by Houston police. 

Investigation updates

What we know:

Police released an update on Wednesday saying they are no longer searching for an 18-wheeler in connection to the crash on the Beltway 8 service road on Friday evening.

Originally, it was reported that an 18-wheeler had crashed into multiple vehicles at the intersection of the service road and Sabo Road. 

After investigating further and watching surveillance videos, it's now believed that a speeding Lexus RX350 had run into the back of a Chevrolet Cavalier. The crash caused the Cavalier to flip over and stop on a sidewalk.

The driver of the Cavalier, identified as 44-year-old Francisco Medellin, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police say a nine-year-old passenger in the Cavalier was sent to a hospital, but he is expected to recover.

The driver of the Lexus was also taken to a hospital for her critical injuries, according to Houston police.

The crash is still under investigation, but it is no longer being investigated as a hit-and-run crash.

What we don't know:

No other person involved in the crash has been named at this time.

It's not clear if anyone will face charges.

Original report

The backstory:

Houston police report several vehicles were stopped at a red light at 11400 South Sam Houston Parkway East service road and Sabo Road intersection around 7:10 p.m. on Friday.

Original reports said an 18-wheeler had hit the back of a silver Chevrolet Cavalier and kept going, hitting a black Lexus RX350, a white Chevrolet Tahoe, a blue Ford Crown Victoria and a Toyota of unknown model, according to Houston police.

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This led to multiple crashes and the driver in the 18-wheeler left the scene without rendering aid. The Toyota also left the scene without providing information.