Officer Blademir Viveros was driving at a high speed without using his emergency lights or siren at the time of the accident that tragically claimed the lives of Angela and Mason Stewart, according to officials from the Department of Public Safety (DPS).
A tragic incident unfolded in Missouri City, Texas, as a former police officer from the area was recently indicted on charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault. The charges stem from a devastating crash that resulted in the loss of a mother and her teenage son, as well as causing severe injuries to another passenger involved in the incident.
Blademir Viveros faced arrest and was given a hefty bond of $800,000.
On the evening of June 20, at approximately 8:45 p.m., tragedy struck when Officer Viveros, a 27-year-old member of the Missouri City Police Department, was in pursuit of an ongoing robbery incident. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Viveros was driving at an excessive speed without activating his emergency lights or siren when his vehicle collided with another car. This car was occupied by Angela Stewart, 53, and Mason Stewart, 16.
According to Rodney Stewart, when his wife and son did not return from the store one night, he decided to track their cell phones. It was this action that ultimately led him to the location of the accident.
Rodney explained that he had been monitoring his son’s phone to find out why they had been gone for such a long time.
According to Stewart, his son had recently celebrated his 16th birthday.
“He passed away on his birthday, dude,” Stewart exclaimed.
The Missouri City Police Department was later sued by the family. On Wednesday, their attorney, Jack Nguyen, released a statement on their behalf.
We are still mourning and devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved wife, mother, brother, and son. The actions of a police officer have shattered our hearts. Today’s indictment marks a crucial step towards holding the officer accountable for his wrongdoing, but it does not ease the pain we experience every day. We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support we receive during this difficult time. Our hope is that our journey stands as a constant reminder of the value of life and the necessity of justice. We will continue to honor Angela and Mason’s memory and support any efforts to prevent others from enduring such a devastating loss.
The passenger in the backseat of Viveros’ patrol car, who was injured in the crash, was not discovered until two hours later. Michael Hawkins, the injured passenger, has been identified and is currently hospitalized. According to Hawkins’ attorney, there is a possibility that he may never regain the ability to walk.
According to MCPD, officers are not permitted to respond to another scene if they already have someone in their unit.
Viveros sustained injuries in the crash and received medical treatment at a local hospital. Following an investigation, the MCPD stated that he was relieved of duty.