18-Year-Old Faces Murder Charge After Chase Ends in Fatal Crash

An 18-year-old, identified as Ruben Mendoza, faces a murder charge after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase that resulted in a fatal crash. The incident occurred on Saturday morning in southeast Houston. Mendoza was reportedly driving a blue Dodge Charger when he fled from Harris County Precinct 2 Constable deputies, with the pursuit spanning the Gulf Freeway before concluding disastrously at the intersection of Almeda, Genoa, and Clearwood.

According to police reports, the vehicle went airborne over a dip in the intersection at a high rate of speed, subsequently losing control and crashing sideways on the driver's side into a tree. Tragically, a passenger in the vehicle sustained fatal injuries. While Mendoza was found alive, the passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. A family member of the deceased passenger has been notified, with authorities emphasizing the sorrowful timing of the event so close to Christmas.

Surveillance footage captured the extreme speed at which Mendoza was allegedly traveling. Charging documents also indicate Mendoza faces a weapons charge, though jail records suggest he had bonded out on a prior offense the day before the fatal crash. Investigators are actively working to determine if drugs or alcohol contributed to the circumstances leading to the deadly collision. The investigation is ongoing.