HOUSTON — Charges have been filed against the underage driver who led Houston police on a chase that ended in a deadly crash early Monday, the Harris County District Attorney's Office confirms.
The teen was driving a stolen Kia Forte that crashed into an innocent 19-year-old motorcycle rider, killing him, according to the Houston Police Department.
The 16-year-old is charged with felony murder, intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid involving death, evading arrest and detention in a motor vehicle and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
The crash happened around 2:15 a.m. near the North Freeway and FM 1960.
HPD said it all started when officers spotted two vehicles racing on the North Freeway and Gulf Bend heading north. They then called for air support.
Police said the officers tried to stop one vehicle but they say the driver sped away going over 100 mph before exiting at FM 1960.
The driver ran a red light at the intersection and slammed into the motorcycle heading east on FM 1960, police said. Officers stopped to help the motorcycle rider but Andres Sorto died at the scene.
The teenage suspect kept going and crashed about half a mile away. He was taken to a hospital with minor injuries and then moved to the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. His name hasn't been released because of his age.
Police said the vehicle he was driving was stolen Sunday night.
"We do need stronger laws when it comes to fleeing from the police," HPD Executive Assistant Chief Larry J Satterwhite said. "We need our legislatures and elected officials to revisit this."