HOUSTON -- It was an accident scene that would make even the most cynical motorist flinch. A van ran over a motorcyclist on I-10, then dragged the bike nearly a mile and a half down the road.

The chase ended almost at Jeffery Simmons' door.

Authorities say the 26-year-old Simmons was behind the wheel when he struck and killed Frank Freeman. Eyewitnesses and police said Simmons fled the scene and had to be cornered on Market Street after the collision.

Simmons appeared in court Monday on a charge of intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid.

But in an exclusive interview with 11 News, Simmons' wife said he was headed home to get help.

Courtesy photo

Frank Freeman

"He was scared and tried to call 911 twice from two different cell phones at the house, but couldn't get through,” she said.

The afternoon began at a neighborhood bar that was a favorite spot of both the suspect and the victim.

Freeman wasn't at the bar that night, but Simmons' wife says her husband was.

She said he got into a fight over a $4 bet on a pool game and was worried the man from the fight was following him on the freeway. That's why he crossed over several lanes of traffic before striking Freeman, she said.

Harris County Sheriff's Office

Jefferey Simmons

But bar patrons told 11 News a different story. There was no fight in the bar, they said.

The bar owner insists Simmons ordered, but did not finish, two drinks and then disappeared into the bathroom for 15 minutes.

He said when Simmons emerged, he was acting strange.

Then he got in his vehicle and drove off.

“We saw him storm out of here super fast like he was about to wreck or something,” said bar patron Jenn Barajas.

In fact, someone called authorities because of his driving.

“The cops had just missed him he had just took off down the road,” said Amanda Ynosencio, another person who was at the bar Friday night. “Like he said, the van almost tilted over. I remember him because people were running out of the way because he was going so fast.”

Moments later, Freeman was killed. His longtime neighbor took the news hard.

“Before Friday I come over here and visited and I'm so glad I did, “ said Rhonda Richey. “I got to see him before he went to heaven.”

“He lived a good life,” said friend Sonny Opiela. “When you start riding (a) Harley, your life changes.”

Friends said they'll remember Freeman as a man who loved his motorcycle.