Overview
- A Harris County grand jury charged Officer Michael Hightower with two counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon tied to an Oct. 23 collision.
- Hightower surrendered on Monday, posted a combined $150,000 bond, and remains on medical leave for injuries from the wreck.
- The crash involved Hightower’s marked patrol vehicle and a 2023 Honda Odyssey at West Baker Road and Country Club Drive in Baytown.
- Medical examiner records identify the children who died as Ryver Russell, 8, and Jude Russell, 10, and the assault count stems from another child’s injuries.
- Indictments cite alleged speeding and failure to use emergency lights or sirens, while Baytown police say in-car video and witnesses indicate Hightower had the right of way while heading to a person-with-a-weapon call.