Skip to main content
Clear icon
68º

Alief ISD worker accused of driving recklessly and hitting Hastings student with car identified

HOUSTON – Houston police identified the Alief Independent School District worker who was charged Wednesday in connection with a crash that critically injured a Hastings High School student. 

The wreck happened at about 2:40 p.m. near Hastings High School at 4410 Cook Road. 

According to investigators, it appears the student, identified as 18-year-old Anthony Velasquez, was walking with some friends on a sidewalk when he was hit by a car. The car then hit another car before coming to a stop.

Houston police identified the driver of that car as 56-year-old Chinyere Iheagwam. She was scheduled to appear before a magistrate in probable cause court Thursday at 10 a.m. but the hearing was postponed after she requested an interpreter. It is scheduled for 1 p.m. Thursday. 

A spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney's Office said Iheagwam was driving recklessly, speeding in a 20mph school zone, and used a turning lane to pass other cars.

Iheagwam faces an aggravated assault with a deadly weapon charge in this wreck, officials said.

Alief ISD officials confirmed that Velasquez is a Hastings High School senior, and that Iheagwam was a district employee.

"We ask for your thoughts and prayers for the student's recovery," school officials said in a written statement.

Houston police initially tweeted that the wreck was fatal and that the Vehicular Crimes Division was investigating. Police later corrected that statement, saying the victim was in critical condition.