In a harrowing chain of events early Friday morning on the I-45 Gulf Freeway, 42-year-old Jessica Daughtery lost her life in a fatal crash involving 30-year-old Jason Arvin Velasquez. Velasquez, who was behind the wheel of the vehicle that caused the crash, now faces a slew of charges, including intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid causing death, and multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
The tragic incident unfolded when Velasquez, allegedly under the influence, slammed into the rear of Daughtery’s Nissan Altima, causing her death at the scene. What happened next was a series of desperate and dangerous actions that shocked witnesses and police alike.
After the crash, Velasquez reportedly exited his vehicle with a gun in hand and began his erratic escape. Witnesses watched in disbelief as he hijacked a car from someone at the scene before fleeing. But his wild ride didn’t end there. Velasquez continued down the freeway, now driving a stolen vehicle, until it became inoperable. Not deterred, he carjacked a second vehicle at gunpoint and kept driving, evading authorities.
However, his crime spree came to an end when Velasquez attempted to steal yet another car, this time at gunpoint. Deputies from the Harris County Pct. 1 Constable’s Office had been trailing his movements and were quick to arrest him as he tried to force another driver out of their vehicle.
Witnesses who were on the scene reported that Velasquez had been driving erratically well before the fatal crash, stating he had caused several minor accidents and even driven the wrong way on the freeway. It became clear that this was not a random accident, but a tragic escalation of reckless decisions.
As police continue their investigation, Velasquez is facing serious charges that could result in significant jail time if convicted. His actions left a community grieving for the life of Jessica Daughtery, a woman whose only mistake was being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The arrest of Velasquez marked the end of a dangerous and deadly spree, but it serves as a reminder of the risks posed by reckless drivers, especially those who choose to get behind the wheel under the influence. For the family and friends of Jessica Daughtery, it will never be enough to bring her back, but the hope is that justice will prevail.
Velasquez’s bond has been set, and the road ahead will undoubtedly be a long one for both the legal system and the families impacted by this senseless tragedy. The full scope of his actions on that tragic morning continues to unfold, as authorities work to piece together every detail of what led to the loss of one life and the destruction of so many others.
