Bystanders detain suspect in accident
A group of witnesses on Saturday is being credited with helping detain a driver accused of attempting to flee the scene of an accident that left a bicyclist in critical condition in north Houston.
Officials with the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 said a group of witnesses who observed an auto-pedestrian crash in the 290 block of Bammel Westfield near Spring helped detain the driver after he allegedly attempted to flee the scene, according to a news release.
Geovany Canizalez was arrested and charged with aggravated assault, evading in a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance and failure to stop and render aid with serious bodily injury. He was found with .54 grams of methamphetamine and had a blue warrant out for his arrest, according to the release.
It had not been determined if Canizalez was under the influence at the time of the accident. Police said he displayed signs of intoxication but declined a field sobriety test. A warrant has been issued to obtain a blood sample.
Police said Canizalez was traveling at a high rate of speed in the westbound lanes of Bammel Westfield when he allegedly struck the bicyclist. The male victim was transported to a local hospital by life flight in critical condition. His current condition is unknown.
Just before the accident, police attempted to stop Canizalez for a traffic violation in the 1800 block of Briarcreek Boulevard, less than 10 minutes away from the scene of the accident. Police lost sight of his vehicle after he allegedly refused to stop and led police on a pursuit.