One Dead, Another Arrested in Katy Street Racing Accident
One driver is dead and another has been arrested following a street racing accident near Grand Parkway in Katy, Texas.
About the Fatal Street Racing Accident
According to reports, the crash occurred around 5:30 pm on Clay Road. Police say two vehicles, a Chevrolet Camaro and a Ford Mustang, were traveling at high speeds on in the 22300 block of Clay Road when the Camaro slammed into an 18-wheeler that was turning into a Shell station.
The Camaro went underneath the 18-wheeler’s trailer, killing the Camaro’s 20-year-old driver.
The Mustang avoided the 18-wheeler but hit a concrete median in the process. The driver of the Mustang, 20-year-old Oluwatise Gbadebo, remained at the scene and admitted to racing. He also said that the driver of the Camaro was a close friend of his.
Gbadebo was arrested and charged with racing involving death. The crash remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division.
The Sheriff’s Office said they have handled three other fatal street racing accidents this year. The average age of the male victims in all four accidents is 22.
Street Racing in Texas
Street racing has a broad definition under Texas Transportation Code 545.420, and covers instances in which one or more vehicles attempt to:
- Outgain or outdistance another vehicle or prevent another vehicle from passing
- Arrive at a given destination ahead of another vehicle or vehicles
- Test the physical stamina or endurance of an operator over a long-distance driving route
First-time offenders in instances that do not result in accident or death could face a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail and $2,000 in fines. Street racers who have been previously convicted could face a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and $4,000 in fines.
Repeat offenders with two or more convictions face a State Jail Felony punishable by 180 days to two years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000.
In a situation where the injury occurs, regardless of if the racer is a first-time offender, drivers may face a Third-Degree Felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison. Serious injury or death can result in a Second-Degree Felony, punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Contact an Experienced Texas Car Accident Attorney
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