What began as a reported shoplifting at a Galleria-area clothing store ended in tragedy Thursday night when two women were hit and killed while running across a Houston freeway following a police chase, according to the Houston Police Department.

Assistant Chief James Bryant said officers were called around 9:15 p.m. to an Old Navy near the 5000 block of Westheimer Road for a reported shoplifting.

Police obtained a description of the suspect vehicle and located it near South Rice Avenue and Westpark Drive.