A tragic incident occurred in Missouri City, Texas, when a police officer was involved in a crash that resulted in the death of a mother and her son. The officer, 27-year-old Blademir Viveros, was relieved of duty after it was determined that he did not have his emergency lights on at the time of the crash. The victims were identified as Angela Stewart, a Houston ISD counselor, and her 16-year-old son Mason Stewart. The incident took place on June 20, when the officer was responding to a call about a robbery in progress.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Viveros was driving over the posted speed limit in the 1600 block of Cartwright Road when he collided with the Stewarts’ vehicle. The Stewarts had pulled out of a Dollar Tree parking lot and failed to yield the right of way. Tragically, both Mason and his mother died at the scene of the crash. It was later revealed that it was Mason’s 16th birthday, adding another layer of heartbreak to the situation.
Eyewitnesses described the crash as a loud sound followed by the police cruiser crushing the other vehicle and catching fire. In a disturbing twist, it was discovered that there was a person in the back of the police cruiser after the crash. The individual, identified as Michael Hawkins, was taken to Ben Taub Hospital for treatment. However, friends of Hawkins revealed that he is paralyzed from the waist down and is currently on life support. The reason for Hawkins’ presence in the back of the patrol car remains unclear, and police have not provided an explanation for why it took so long to discover his presence.
The incident has raised questions about police procedures and protocols. It goes against policy for officers to respond to calls if they already have someone in custody. The Missouri City Police Department has stated that they are conducting an investigation to determine why Hawkins was in the cruiser and why it took time to find him. Once the investigation is complete, the findings will be submitted to the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office for review.
Officer Viveros, who had been with the department for less than a year, has been relieved of duty while the investigation continues. The Missouri City Police Department has emphasized their commitment to maintaining the trust and confidence of the community they serve. The department has also expressed condolences to the Stewart family and stated that they hope to avoid future tragedies through changes in police procedures.
In response to the incident, the Stewart family issued a statement expressing their grief and calling for safer police procedures. They hope that their loss will lead to changes that prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the risks involved in law enforcement and the importance of adhering to proper protocols. It also highlights the need for thorough investigations to uncover the truth and ensure accountability. As the investigation continues, our thoughts are with the Stewart family and all those affected by this devastating event.
