HOUSTON -- A wrecker driver accused of killing an elderly couple in a high-speed crash was a registered with the city of Houston's SAFEClear program even though he had a criminal record, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Officials said the Houston Police Department Auto Dealer's Unit recommended that Sergio Gonzalaz, 39, be denied participation in the program because of a 2002 assault conviction. Gonzalez also has a history of driving while intoxicated arrests.

Gonzalaz appealed the rejection of his application and was later granted SAFEClear status by an HPD lawyer.

Houston police said Gonzalaz was driving 90 mph in a posted speed of 45 mph when the wrecker truck he was driving hit Maureen and Leon Roberson's vehicle on Oct. 18.

The Robersons left Blessed Hope Baptist Church moments before the crash on Wallisville Road near Colvin Street.

Police said Gonzalaz did not try to avoid hitting the Robersons' car.

The mayor said he wants a formal investigation into how Gonzalaz was granted a SAFEClear license even though he was a convicted felon.

"Applying the standard adopted by council, this person shouldn't have been in the program," White said.

The mayor said there might be many more wrecker drivers who are operating under a SAFEClear permit when they should have been denied.

"I have some information that somebody in the legal department of HPD has overruled numerous recommendations by police officers who are relying on our ordinance. If there's a rogue city employee who is not following city law, then I want that person to be relieved of their city employment," White said.

Suzanne Poole said the mayor should not be surprised.

She heads the Houston Wrecker Association and said ever since the SAFEClear program began more than a year ago, questionable drivers have routinely been issued licenses.

Poole said she witnessed it herself at a hearing.

"There was approximately 12 people who were all granted probation. Some of them were SAFEClear. Some of them were private property people. They were sex offenders. They were people who had violent, felony histories that were given back their licenses," she said.

Poole said that for months she has asked the mayor and council to crack down, but there has been no action until now.

The mayor's office said the assertion that White knew about this problem is wrong. A White spokesman said Poole's organization opposed SAFEClear and does not participate in the program.

The Robersons' funeral has been scheduled for Saturday.

Charges against Gonzalaz have not been filed.