A Police Chase Results In The Driver Killing A 3-Year-Old Child In A High-Speed, Hit-And-Run Accident
The police in Garland have identified a teen driver who was allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol while fleeing from police. The teen caused an accident that ended in the death of a two-year-old girl and left members of her family in critical condition.
According to the story appearing on the Law Enforcement Today website, the fatal crash happened on the night of Saturday, May 23rd, when 19-year-old Adrian Maldonado was observed by police blowing through a series of three red lights in Garland.
At approximately 10:00 p.m., Garland Police officers attempted to pull Maldonado over after following his vehicle along Interstate 30 and Interstate 635. Maldonado refused to pull over, and officers began pursuit.
Authorities say that Maldonado’s vehicle reached speeds over 100 miles per hour and, at times, turned off his headlights during the pursuit. In a statement to reporters, Lt. Pedro Barineau said that all officers, including police cruisers and a helicopter unit, broke off pursuit to get Maldonado to slow down. “Nothing was working,” Barineau said.
Once again, Maldonado ran a fourth red light and broadsided a white Ford Mustang occupied by two adults and two children.
Emergency crews arrived at the scene and rushed the family to an area hospital for treatment of injuries they suffered in the crash. Hospital officials said that the little girl was pronounced dead shortly after she arrived at the trauma center.
Police say that Maldonado, along with passenger 19-year-old Denise Vivas, attempted to flee from their SUV on foot. They were apprehended a short distance away by police. Neither Vivas nor Maldonado suffered injury in the crash.
Both suspects were arrested at the scene. Maldonado was arrested on one charge of intoxication manslaughter, three counts of intoxication assault, felony evasion, and fleeing the scene of an accident causing serious injury or death. He also had an outstanding warrant for violating probation.
Vivas is also being charged with evading arrest. Both Maldonado and Vivas are currently being held at the Garland Detention Center.