A quiet Sunday evening turned terrifying for a Fort Worth family when a car broke through their backyard fence and came dangerously close to three young children playing outside.
The crash happened around 7 p.m. Sept. 13 near the 1500 block of Heritage Trace Parkway. Home surveillance footage captured the moment the vehicle crossed the fence line and entered the Van Dusen family’s backyard.
The family’s 2-year-old daughter was walking near the area just seconds before the crash, while her 5-year-old twin brothers were in the pool. The video shows the toddler moving away shortly before the vehicle struck the fence, sending debris across the yard and toward the pool.
All three children escaped without injuries.
For David and Brittney Van Dusen, the fact that none of their children was struck was difficult to describe as anything other than a narrow escape. The family said the incident showed how quickly reckless driving can put people in danger, even inside what should be a safe residential backyard.
Fort Worth police said two people were inside the vehicle. The passenger was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not immediately disclosed. The driver was not publicly identified and was cited for reckless driving.
The crash also left the family’s fence badly damaged.
The incident has raised concerns among nearby residents about traffic conditions along the road. Neighbors said speeding has been an ongoing problem in the area, particularly along stretches where residential properties sit close to the roadway.
Fort Worth City Council member Charlie Lauersdorf said he wants to see a stop sign installed near the location as an immediate safety measure. He also said additional police speed enforcement had been requested in the area.
The location is part of a newer development where portions of the roadway run for a significant distance without traffic-control measures, according to Lauersdorf. He said a stop sign could potentially be installed within about 30 days, depending on the process.
A broader traffic review could follow. Lauersdorf said officials would also look at whether a traffic signal or other changes may be appropriate after a full traffic study.
For neighbors, however, the crash has underscored concerns that go beyond repairing a damaged fence.
Toni Gunter, who lives nearby, said residents want to see changes that can prevent another vehicle from reaching the homes at high speed.
The Van Dusen family has also called for stronger action against dangerous driving. While they are grateful their children were not hurt, they said the close call has motivated them to work with city officials, law enforcement and other community members on possible safety improvements.
The surveillance footage has since brought attention to just how little time separated an ordinary family evening from a potentially devastating crash.
For the Van Dusens, the damage to the property can be repaired. The most important outcome was that their three children were able to walk away unharmed—and they now want changes in the area to help keep another family from facing a similar close call.
