Houston, Texas — A 30-year-old man accused of causing a deadly freeway crash and terrorizing multiple motorists during a chaotic series of armed carjackings appeared before a judge on Friday, where his total bond was set at a staggering $2.5 million.
Suspect Faces 13 Serious Felony Charges
According to investigators with the Houston Police Department, the suspect — Jason Arvin Velasquez, 30 — is now facing 13 felony charges connected to a violent rampage that unfolded earlier this month. The charges include:
- Intoxication manslaughter
- Failure to stop and render aid causing death
- Multiple counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon
- Multiple counts of aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon
Court officials handed down a series of bonds, including 12 separate $200,000 bonds and one $100,000 bond, adding up to a total of $2.5 million.
Deadly Crash Along the Gulf Freeway
Authorities say the string of events took place around 8:35 a.m. on December 5 along the 7900 block of the Gulf Freeway. Police allege Velasquez had already caused multiple hit-and-run incidents and had even been seen driving the wrong way before the fatal collision.
Investigators say Velasquez was speeding northbound in a white Chevrolet Suburban when he slammed into the back of a black Nissan Altima driven by 42-year-old Jessica Daughtery.
The impact was devastating. Daughtery, who police say was an innocent motorist simply commuting on the freeway, was pronounced dead at the scene by Houston Fire Department paramedics.
Carjacking Spree After the Collision
Rather than stopping to assist, police say Velasquez escalated the situation dramatically. According to witness statements and HPD officials, he exited his vehicle armed with a gun and immediately carjacked another driver at the crash site.
Authorities later learned that Velasquez had already been involved in several minor crashes earlier in the morning — behavior consistent with impairment, according to investigators.
After fleeing in the first stolen vehicle, Velasquez continued driving until that car broke down. Police say he then carjacked a second vehicle at gunpoint and even attempted to steal a third vehicle before deputies caught up to him.
Arrest by Harris County Precinct 1 Deputies
The suspect’s spree finally came to an end when Harris County Precinct 1 deputy constables located and detained him. Velasquez was taken to a nearby hospital for minor injuries before being transported to the Harris County Jail.
No additional injuries were reported besides the fatality of Jessica Daughtery, whose family is now left grieving amid an investigation many officials describe as both senseless and preventable.
Investigation Still Ongoing
Houston police say the investigation remains active, and further information — including toxicology results — may be released in the coming weeks. Detectives are continuing to review witness accounts, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data tied to the sequence of crashes and carjackings.
As of now, Velasquez remains behind bars, unable to post the $2.5 million bond.
What Are Your Thoughts on This Case?
Do you think bond amounts for violent multi-incident crimes should be even higher, or is this appropriate Share your views in the comments below!
