Video debunks hit-and-run driver's claim she was carjacked, deputies say

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities say two women had an elaborate excuse for why they crashed into a parked car and fled the scene.

The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office said Kenyarda Leavell and Portia Ellis called 911 claiming to be victims of a carjacking after crashing into the Tesla in the 1800 block of Laurel Valley Drive just after 3 a.m. Saturday.

Video from the Tesla's on-board cameras disproved their account, the constable's office said.

The Tesla's owner, Johnny Tran, told Eyewitness News he belongs to a traveling car club and was visiting Houston from Austin last weekend.

The Tesla, which was specially adapted for the racetrack, was set to be showcased at the Slammedenuff Texas Car Show at the Reliant Center Saturday afternoon.

Tran said he parked it outside his Airbnb overnight when the on-board video shows a blue Audi drive up and sideswipe it.

The video shows the Audi stopping in front of Tran's Tesla, and a female passenger eventually emerging.

"I got a notification on my Tesla app saying that someone had hit my car, so I rushed downstairs and saw two people standing behind my vehicle," said Tran. "My first thought is I thought they were trying to break in or steal some parts off of my car."

Tran said both women walked away before he could speak to them.

Within minutes, authorities say they called 911 claiming a man had forced his way into their car at gunpoint and that he was driving it when it crashed into the Tesla.

"Reportee advises they're passengers of the vehicle and then jumped out the vehicle and ran to an Airbnb," a dispatcher can be heard on police radio.

It turns out the Airbnb referenced was just houses down from where the crash occurred.

Deputies arrested both women there and charged them with making a false report. Leavell is also charged with leaving the scene of the crash.

As for Tran, he said his Tesla is no longer drivable. Photos show the car with significant body damage, and Tran said the rear axle is bent.

He's currently working with his insurance company to determine whether Leavell was insured.

But he might never have known who was to blame for the damage to his car without his car's cameras.

"The Sentry Mode worked when it's supposed to, and it notified me when it was supposed to. I'm just super thankful for that," he said.

Leavell and Ellis were released on $100 bonds. Both are listed as living in Georgia, and bond conditions don't appear to restrict their ability to travel.