A former officer in Missouri City has been convicted on three counts of aggravated assault by a public servant linked to a fatal crash that occurred in 2024.
Blademier Viveros was originally charged with three counts of aggravated assault by a public servant, two counts of manslaughter, and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The charges stemmed from an incident that took place on June 20, 2024, resulting in the deaths of Mason Stewart, 16, and Angela Stewart, 53, at the scene. Additionally, Michael Hawkins, who was hospitalized following the crash, succumbed to his injuries on January 10, 2025.
At the time of the incident, Mason Stewart had just turned 16 and was driving a 2005 Toyota Corolla with his mother, Angela, when they attempted to enter traffic.
Viveros was responding to an armed robbery alert at an ATM in Missouri City. Prosecutors contended that he was traveling at a speed of 107 mph—more than double the posted limit of 40 mph—on Cartwright Road without activating his lights or sirens. Authorities reported that Viveros collided with the Stewarts’ vehicle as they were making a left turn.
In a troubling twist, Hawkins, who had been picked up during an earlier call, was discovered seriously injured in the backseat of the police SUV two hours after the crash. He ultimately died months later.
In defense of Viveros, attorneys described the incident as a “human accident,” suggesting it was the result of poor judgment rather than any intent to commit a crime. They argued that Viveros muted his sirens to approach the robbery suspects discreetly, a tactic they claimed is not uncommon in high-priority situations.
Sentencing for Viveros is scheduled for Tuesday.
