MISSOURI CITY, Texas — A former Missouri City police officer was indicted on two counts of manslaughter and aggravated assault after a crash that killed a mother and her teenage son and seriously injured a passenger.
Blademir Viveros was arrested and his total bond was set at $800,000.
The crash happened around 8:45 p.m. on June 20. The Missouri City Police Department said Officer Viveros, 27, was responding to an in-progress robbery call. The Texas Department of Public Safety said Viveros was speeding without his emergency lights or siren on when he slammed into a car carrying Angela Stewart, 53, and Mason Stewart, 16.
Rodney Stewart told KHOU 11 that his wife and son had gone to the store that night and when they didn't return, he tracked their cell phones. That's what led him to the scene of the crash.
"I was just tracking my son’s phone. I checked to see why they were gone so long," Rodney said after the crash.
Stewart said his son had just turned 16 that day.
"He died on his birthday, man," Stewart said.
The family later sued the Missouri City Police Department. Attorney Jack Nguyen released a statement on their behalf Wednesday.
We are still grieving and heartbroken beyond words by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved wife, mother, brother, and son. Angela and Mason were taken from us far too soon by the actions of a police officer that shock the conscience. Today’s indictment is just the first step towards accountability and should only be the beginning of holding the officer responsible for his wrongdoing. It does not heal the pain we feel every day. We extend our deepest gratitude to those who continue to support us in this hard time. We hope our struggle serves as a constant reminder that life is precious, and that justice is necessary. We will continue to honor Angela and Mason’s memory and support any action taken that will help in any way to prevent others from enduring this kind of devastating loss."
The injured passenger in the backseat of Viveros' patrol car wasn't found until two hours after the crash. He was later identified as Michael Hawkins. An attorney representing Hawkins in a lawsuit said his client remains in the hospital and may not walk again.
MCPD said it's against policy for officers to respond to another scene if they have someone in their unit.
Viveros was also injured in the crash and treated at an area hospital.
He was relieved of duty following an investigation, MCPD said.
Here is what police said at the scene: