December 15, 2025 - Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the fatal crash that occurred at 9421 Almeda Genoa Road about 4:55 a.m. on Saturday (Dec. 13).

Ruben X. Mendoza, 18, is charged with murder in the 184th Criminal District Court. A booking photo of Mendoza, who remains hospitalized, is not available at this time.

The identity of the deceased male, 18, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Hall and Officer C. Sartor reported:

Harris County Precinct 2 Deputy Constables observed Mendoza driving a blue Dodge Charger at a high rate of speed and weaving through traffic southbound on the Gulf Freeway near Edgebrook. Deputies attempted to catch up to the suspect as the suspect began to drive faster. The suspect then turned off his headlights as deputies activated their emergency equipment. The suspect refused to stop and continued onto the South Sam Houston tollway and then exited Beamer Road and drove north on Blackhawk Road. The suspect continued down Blackhawk at a high rate of speed while also running several red lights. As the driver approached the intersection of Blackhawk road and Almeda Genoa at a high rate of speed, the vehicle struck a raised portion of the intersection, went airborne and then struck a tree on the driver's side.

The passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Mendoza was transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries and was found not to be intoxicated.

The investigation is continuing.