Police Chase Ends with Murder Charges
A police chase has ended with two people dead and several others injured. Authorities say that on Monday Garrett William Nee, 29, of Kingwood has been charged with murder in connection with a police chase in the Conroe area Sunday evening.
Department of Public Safety Trooper Rich Standifer said in a statement that a Patton Village police officer had been pursuing a suspect at around 7:30 p.m. when his cruiser was struck by a 1998 Chevy Suburban at the intersection of Texas 242 and FM 1485.
The officer is identified as Sgt. Stacey Baumgartner of the Patton Village Police Department. Baumgartner died en route to Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.
Also killed in the crash was 11-year-old Adan Hilario, Jr.
In addition to the two fatalities involved in the crash, two adults and four other children were also injured and were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in The Woodlands.
They have been identified as Adan Hilario Sr., 46; Erica Santos, 39; Andrea Hilario, 9; Brenda Hilario, 15; Yudiel Santos, 17; and Joel Santos, 18. All were listed in critical condition.
One of the accident victims, 9-year-old Andrea, had to be transported by medical helicopter.
Nee, having seen the crash involving the officer who was pursuing him, returned to the scene of the accident and was arrested.
Nee currently faces one count of murder, two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle, and six counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. Nee is being held on $1.3 million bond.
Today, police departments across the country are starting to re-evaluate as to whether or not high speed chases are worth the risk to officers and the public that they profess to serve. The question must be asked if allowing someone to evade a police chase might be a better idea than continuing a pursuit and risking lives of innocent bystanders. Far too many have died as the result of being in the wrong place at the wrong time when a high speed pursuit is underway. When such a tragedy occurs, as it did in this case, it can be a tragedy that leaves surviving family members struggling to put their lives back together again. When such a thing happens to you or someone you love, that is the time when you need an attorney who will work diligently on your side.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by an accident as a direct result of a police chase in the Houston area, give us a call with the details of your case. We can help take care of the details of dealing with insurance companies and other expenses. At the same time, we can prepare your case in order to get you the most in compensation or losses from accidents that were no fault of your own. Expenses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, loss of income, or potential increase in insurance rates can affect you long after the accident. Give us a call today.