When police are racing to stop a crime, it’s very important that drivers make room for them. Their exemption from having to follow regular traffic laws in those instances can prove to be dangerous and even fatal. One family in Texas is reeling after the loss of two young boys who died when the car they were in was hit by a police car, but the family was not in the wrong. Officer Michael Hightower was speeding in his marked police vehicle, allegedly to stop a crime in progress. But he failed to properly signal his intentions, which led to him slamming into the family’s vehicle. Now, he’s facing multiple charges for killing the boys.
According to court records, a jury returned an indictment against Officer Michael Hightower, KTRK reported. He faces two charges of manslaughter and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The indictment follows a crash involving Hightower and another vehicle shortly after 7 p.m. October 23, 2025.
The Baytown Police Department said Hightower was driving a marked patrol vehicle and was on duty at the time of the crash. An accident report obtained by the outlet stated that Hightower had a green light at the intersection, and the van had a blinking yellow. The van driver tried to turn. Because of the speed Hightower was driving, the reaction time of the driver was compromised.
Hightower, who has worked as a police officer for two and a half years, was responding to a “persons with a weapon” call, according to a release from police. His leg was injured during the crash, and he was taken to the hospital. Hightower was released on October 28.
Two of the minors involved in the crash, ages 8 and 10, were taken to the hospital by LifeFlight, police stated. The other three minors and driver were treated at the scene.
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved and impacted by this event,” shared Police Chief John Stringer. “Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the children and family involved, as well as our officer, the officer’s family, and the Baytown officers who responded to the scene. We ask for patience and objectivity from the community as we gather all information, which may take some time.”
The two minors most severely hurt in the crash died at the hospital as a result of their injuries, the release from police shared. They were identified as Ryver and Jude Russell in an online obituary.
Jude and Ryver were the sweetest of boys,” the obituary reads. “They loved playing video games with their dad, siblings and friends. They were truly free spirits who sought joy everyday; they lived their lives through the lens of love, light and laughter.”
A GoFundMe account set up for the family by friends, shared that the three other children received injuries that included a brain bleed and multiple fractures. Two of the surviving children, sisters 14 and 3 years old, were released from the hospital at the end of October. At that time, their oldest sister, 16, was still hospitalized.
Hightower turned himself in on December 15, the Baytown Police Department noted. He remains on medical leave.
