PASADENA, Texas – An innocent driver was killed in a crash following a more than 16-mile high-speed police chase that started in Webster and ended in Pasadena on Sunday morning, according to the Webster Police Department.
Christopher Evan Romero, 17, appeared in court Sunday night. He was arrested and charged with murder, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, felony evading arrest with a motor vehicle and an outstanding felony warrant out of Dimmit County for unauthorized use of a vehicle. His bond was set at $300,000.
Officers said they attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a stolen vehicle, but Romero refused to stop, leading them on a chase.
Court documents show he reached speeds of more than 100 miles per hour.
While approaching a red light at the intersection of the Beltway 8 feeder road and Spencer Highway in Pasadena, officers said they backed off Romero’s vehicle to slow down for a red light at the intersection, but Romero accelerated and caused a major three-vehicle crash.
The driver of one of the vehicles suffered major injuries and died at the scene. Three other vehicles were involved and four people, including Romero, were injured.
Investigators said a 15-year-old girl who was listed as a missing runaway from San Antonio was also inside the vehicle with Romero. She has since been reunited with her family and Webster Police Chief Pete Bacon said she isn’t facing any charges at this time.
Romero was out on bail for drug and weapon charges out of Kendall County, records show.