Missouri City, Texas — A tragic incident involving a Missouri City police officer has led to a lawsuit one month after the officer’s vehicle collided with a car, resulting in the deaths of a local counselor and her teenage son. Officer Blademir Viveros, 27, is at the center of the controversy as he was behind the wheel during the fatal accident and reportedly driving without his emergency lights activated.
On June 20, Angela Stewart, a 53-year-old counselor at Houston ISD, and her 16-year-old son Mason Stewart were struck by Viveros’s patrol car. At the time, Viveros was responding to a robbery in progress but allegedly failed to use his siren or emergency lights, raising significant safety concerns.
The incident unfolded as Viveros, exceeding the speed limit, traveled eastbound along Cartwright Road. As the Stewarts exited a Dollar Tree parking lot, their vehicle was T-boned by the patrol car. Initial reports from the Missouri City Police Department suggested that the Stewarts might not have yielded the right of way. However, the absence of emergency signals on the police vehicle has fueled debate and scrutiny over the officer’s response measures.
Compounding the tragedy, an unexpected revelation came hours after the crash when authorities discovered Michael Hawkins, a 53-year-old individual experiencing a mental health crisis, in the backseat of Viveros’s cruiser. His presence was unknown during the response, leading to concerns over the handling of detainees during police responses. Hawkins, who had been placed in the backseat after his caretaker contacted emergency services due to his erratic behavior, was also injured in the crash. He is currently paralyzed from the waist down and relies on life support.
Court documents suggest that Hawkins will need extended medical care. The lawsuit filed in connection to the incident accuses Officer Viveros of reckless driving and the Missouri City Police Department of failing to adequately train and supervise their employees, thereby putting the lives of civilians and detainees like Hawkins at significant risk.
Since the accident, Officer Viveros has been relieved of his duties, reflecting the department’s move to address the implications of the crash. Viveros, who joined the Missouri City Police Department less than a year ago, brought approximately two years of previous law enforcement experience from another agency.
This incident has ignited a community-wide discussion on police response protocols, training adequacy, and the safety measures that need to be in place to prevent such devastating accidents in the future. Legal proceedings and further investigations are expected to continue as affected families and the community seek justice and changes to law enforcement practices. Meanwhile, support has poured in for both the Stewart and Hawkins families as they navigate their respective ordeals.
Missouri City Police have yet to publicly address the specifics of why emergency protocols were not followed or the delay in recognizing the presence of a detainee in the patrol car during an emergency response, leaving critical questions unanswered. The tragedy remains a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with police authority and the dire consequences when protocols are not strictly adhered to.