Tesla allegedly in autopilot mode crashes into house, woman killed: Investigators

Investigators said the driver's car left the roadway and struck the residence.

ByAhmad Hemingway and Ivan Pereira ABCNews logo
Sunday, June 21, 2026 6:32PM
ABC7 Chicago 24/7 Stream

A driver in a Tesla vehicle that was allegedly in self-driving mode crashed into a Texas house Friday night, killing a woman who was inside the home, investigators said.

This image released by the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office shows the damage to a home after a Tesla crashed into it, in Katy, Texas, on June 19, 2026.
This image released by the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office shows the damage to a home after a Tesla crashed into it, in Katy, Texas, on June 19, 2026.

Michael Butler was traveling in his Tesla Model 3 around 8 p.m. local time in Katy, Texas, and was operating the vehicle "with an automated driving assistance system," the Harris County Sheriff's office said in a statement.

Butler allegedly failed to drive in a single lane, left the roadway and struck the residence, according to the sheriff's office.

This image released by the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office shows the damage to a home after a Tesla crashed into it, in Katy, Texas, on June 19, 2026.
This image released by the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office shows the damage to a home after a Tesla crashed into it, in Katy, Texas, on June 19, 2026.

"Butler's Tesla entered through the brick residence, at a high rate of speed, and struck M. Avila who was inside the residence," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Avila was airlifted to a hospital where she was later pronounced dead, the sheriff's office said.

Investigators said Butler, who was injured, showed no signs of intoxication and he was cooperating with officers. Attorney information for the driver wasn't immediately available.

The investigation is ongoing and as of Saturday afternoon there were no charges.

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