Illinois man arrested for beating, killing 68-year-old woman while fleeing police in south Houston

HOUSTON – A man wanted for hitting and killing a woman with a car while fleeing police in south Houston has been arrested in Illinois.

Jacolby Pendleton, 30, is charged with murder in the death of Sharon Griffin, 68. Police say Griffin was killed when Pendleton lost control of his vehicle and struck her on a footpath.

The incident happened on June 6 at 3500 Rebecca Street. Officers were searching for Pendleton, a known felony suspect, when they spotted him getting into a black Nissan Kicks. Officers attempted to pull Pendleton over, but HPD said Pendleton refused to stop, leading officers into a brief pursuit.

Griffin was struck and killed when Pendleton turned onto Rebecca Street, lost control of the Nissan, which left the roadway, struck a dumpster, overturned and struck him.

Officers pursuing Pendleton turned onto Rebecca Street and saw the crashed vehicle and Pendleton fleeing the scene.

Griffin was pronounced dead at the scene.

Pendleton was arrested Saturday in Springfield, Illinois. He was booked into the Sangamon County Jail and is awaiting extradition to Harris County.