A Bowie County grand jury formally indicted a man last week who is accused of causing the death of his passenger when he wrecked his car while fleeing from pursuing police.
Deontrae Solomon, 19, is accused of causing the Dec. 3 death of 20-year-old De'Andre Jackson.
Solomon was allegedly driving through Wake Village, Texas, when a patrol officer attempted to pull him over after observing a traffic violation, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account. Solomon allegedly led the officer into Nash, Texas, before getting onto Interstate 30 eastbound.
After exiting at Richmond Road, Solomon's car reportedly skidded sideways and then flipped end-over-end before coming to rest. Solomon ran across the highway but was taken into custody by Wake Village Officer Jeremy Johnson following a brief foot chase.
Jackson was ejected from the car during the crash and later died of his injuries. Solomon allegedly told investigators he and Jackson were burglarizing cars in the Wake Village area at the time Johnson attempted to pull them over. He said they had stolen guns and other property in the car.
At a pre-indictment hearing earlier this month before 102nd District Judge Jeff Addison, Solomon's lawyers, Josh Potter of Texarkana and Brandon Pickett of Fayetteville, said plea negotiations with Assistant District Attorney Randle Smolarz are ongoing.
Solomon is facing two to 20 years in prison if convicted. He is being held in the Bowie County jail.