Bond set at $400K for man accused of causing multi-vehicle crash that killed innocent driver following high-speed chase

HOUSTON – The man accused of attempting to flee from officers in a pursuit that ended in a multi-vehicle crash, killing one person and injuring another faced a judge Sunday morning.

Damian West, 21, is charged with felony murder and aggravated assault.

During a hearing, the judge announced bond conditions that include no driving without permission, no drugs or firearms, GPS monitoring, and random urine analysis. West is also subject to 24-hour house arrest.

The judge then issued “high bond” due to community safety and concerns, with bond set at $300,000 for felony murder and $100,000 for aggravated assault-serious bodily injury.

According to the Harris County District Clerk’s Office, West was previously charged with unlawful carry of a weapon in February of 2021.

Damian West, 21 charged with murder and aggravated assault. (Houston Police Department)

WHAT HAPPENED?

The pursuit began after Houston police officers tried to stop a driver at an H-E-B in the 1000 block of Kempwood Drive in northwest Houston.

Officers spotted West in a group that was consistent with a street takeover, according to police.

RELATED: Man charged with murder after innocent driver killed in multi-vehicle crash following police chase in NW Houston, HPD says

West led police on a high-speed chase before he blew through a red light, hitting a vehicle with two people inside and caused a chain reaction crash to several vehicles nearby.

The multi-vehicle crash occurred in the 15300 block of Hempstead Road near West Little York, officials say.

One driver died at the scene, and a passenger was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.

Police said a total of five vehicles were involved in the crash.


About the Authors

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

A graduate of the University of Houston-Downtown, Ana moved to H-Town from sunny southern California in 2015. In 2020, she joined the KPRC 2 digital team as an intern. Ana is a self-proclaimed coffee connoisseur, a catmom of 3, and an aquarium enthusiast. In her spare time, she's an avid video gamer and loves to travel.

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