Texas Teen's Death Blamed on Police Pursuit of Shoplifter

Parents sue

HOUSTON (CN)—An innocent teenager died because Baytown police put down a spike strip at a busy intersection to try to catch a shoplifter, who then caused the fiery wreck, the late teen's parents claim in court.

Parents of the late Shawn Williams Jr. sued the City of Baytown and Shannon Joe Chauncey in Harris County Court.

Shay Hollingshead, who was injured in the wreck that killed Shawn, also sued.

"On October 19, 2012 17-year-old Shay Hollingshead was driving home from work with his friend and coworker, 16-year-old Shawn Williams Jr.," the complaint states.

"A few minutes past 10:00 p.m. Shay's Ford Focus was struck by another vehicle, causing Shay's car to immediately burst into flames."

Defendant Chauncey was driving the truck that hit them.