Woman Crushed to Death in Her Driveway During High-Speed Chase

A devastating crash in a quiet Houston neighborhood is under investigation after a mother of four was struck and killed in her own driveway just days before Christmas.

Xochitl Santos, 43, was standing beside her Toyota Sienna outside her home on the afternoon of Dec. 23 when a speeding Chevy Cobalt barreled down the street and slammed into her, pinning her between the two vehicles, according to the Houston Police Department.

Police said the impact was so violent that one of Santos’ legs was amputated at the scene, while her other leg was nearly severed. Family members rushed to help her as she lay injured in the driveway before she was transported to the hospital. Despite emergency efforts, Santos was later pronounced dead.

Authorities told local FOX affiliate KRIV that a 34-year-old man was detained at the scene but later released. Investigators said he showed signs of intoxication and had been speeding through the residential neighborhood at the time of the crash. No charges have yet been filed, but police emphasized that the investigation remains active.

Surveillance video obtained by ABC affiliate KTRK captured the horrifying moment around 4:30 p.m. The footage allegedly shows the Chevy Cobalt racing down the street while following a gold Toyota sedan moments before the fatal collision.

Investigators believe the crash stemmed from a heated argument earlier that afternoon. Police said the driver of the Cobalt had been arguing with his girlfriend at an apartment complex a few blocks away. The girlfriend, who was driving the gold sedan, reportedly left the complex, and the suspect allegedly chased after her at high speed. During the pursuit, police say he lost control of his car and struck Santos.

Witnesses told KTRK they heard a man and a woman arguing at the apartment complex shortly before the crash. Residents said the couple were former tenants who had returned to visit friends and became involved in a dispute during the gathering.

Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson told NBC affiliate KPRC that the driver could still face serious charges.

“Obviously he was driving at a high rate of speed down a residential street,” Crowson said. “He could be charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide or something like that depending on what the district attorney comes up with, even if he’s not intoxicated.”