HOUSTON, TX – A chaotic scene unfolded in northwest Houston early this morning when an 18-year-old suspect, fleeing from police, crashed a stolen vehicle into a residential home, sending a man to the hospital. The incident occurred at the intersection of Cotton and Bengal Streets, where the suspect drove through a bedroom wall, causing significant damage.
Jamari Menefee, the teenager behind the wheel, is now in custody with a $40,000 bail. He faces multiple charges, including vehicle theft, evading arrest, and attempting to disarm a police officer. The vehicle, a black Cadillac, had been reported stolen, prompting a search by law enforcement.
The homeowner, Alex Cuevas, recounted the terrifying moment when his brother, asleep in the bedroom, was jolted awake as the car plowed through the wall. “The last thing I expected was a car inside my house,” Cuevas said. His brother sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
Authorities located the stolen Cadillac around 2 a.m. and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Menefee, however, refused to comply, leading officers on a brief pursuit. The chase ended abruptly when police deployed a stopping technique, causing Menefee to lose control and crash into the home.
After the crash, Menefee attempted to flee on foot. Officers apprehended him, but not before he allegedly tried to grab an officer’s taser, adding to his growing list of charges. This incident is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Menefee, who has a history of offenses dating back to age 15.
Court records reveal Menefee’s recent legal encounters, including a guilty plea for criminal trespass in May, resulting in a 40-day jail sentence. He was also arrested for car theft in May, though that charge was later dismissed.
The community is left questioning how Menefee, with his extensive record, was out of custody. The crash has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenses.
As the investigation continues, residents in the area are left to repair the physical and emotional damage caused by the morning’s events. The Cuevas family is now faced with the daunting task of restoring their home and sense of security.