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Victims' Families Want HPD Chase Policy Changed

POSTED: Monday, January 12, 2009
UPDATED: 4:39 pm CST January 12, 2009

A 17-year-old remained behind bars on Monday, accused of killing an innocent driver while trying to get away from police. The families of the driver killed and another man injured during that chase are calling on Houston police to change its policy on pursuits, KPRC Local 2 reported Monday.

Homero Rosales, 41, died instantly when 17-year-old Frank Marron, who was allegedly driving a stolen truck, hit his SUV on South 79th Street on Saturday, investigators said.

Two officers were pursuing the truck when the collision happened. Rosales' family said they want to hear more from HPD.

"Tell us all the information with what actually is the policy," said Mario Rosales Jr., the victim's brother. "We need to know and that way this doesn't happen to another family."

"Homero Rosales was a great man. He was a great father, a great husband, a great son, a great grandson and the family is deeply, deeply upset, saddened by the loss. (It's a) tragic loss and we're confident that the district attorney's office will do the right thing," said Juan Hernandez, the Rosales family lawyer.

Rosales was driving home from the store with his good friend, Maurillo Alvarado, 53.

His family said Alvarado cannot move, has a broken shoulder and ribs, and was told not to try to talk.

"We don't know if my dad's going to be all right. Our whole life is going to change because of that. I'm going to take care of my dad. If I got to work two or three jobs, I'm going to take care of my dad. I will take care of my dad. That's the bottom line. I will take care of my dad," said Gabriel Alvarado, Maurillo Alvarado's son.

The Alvarado family is asking the Houston Police Department to change its chase policy.

"A 17-year-old might have made a stupid mistake. But we believe the HPD, if it doesn't change its policies, is making a stupider mistake that's affecting the citizens of Houston," said Domingo Garcia, the Alvarado family lawyer.

"Our chase policy is constantly under review. Over the years, we have been involved in almost two pursuits per day in apprehending criminals and those who evade police. It is the suspect's actions that determine the outcome of these pursuits. This pursuit, as with all other pursuits, will be reviewed to determine if policy was followed," HPD said on Sunday.

Marron told KPRC Local 2 that he took off because he didn't want to go to jail. He said he does not have a driver's license.

Rosales' family went to court Monday in an effort to get Marron's $50,000 bond increased. A judge doubled it to $100,000. Prosecutors said Marron is on juvenile probation for an offense last year.

Marron has been charged with felony murder. Police said he could also face charges of evading and resisting arrest and of being in a stolen vehicle.

Houston Police Department's Chase Policy:

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