DURHAM, N.C. — An 18-year-old Durham man is behind bars on a $1.5 million bond after authorities say he caused a deadly crash while fleeing from deputies during a suspected street race last week.
Teen Suspect Identified as Kevin Aljeandro Ruiz-Gomez
According to the Durham County Sheriff’s Office, Kevin Aljeandro Ruiz-Gomez was arrested Friday in connection with a high-speed crash that occurred Thursday night near the intersection of N.C. Highway 55 and Riddle Road.
Deputies said Ruiz-Gomez was fleeing law enforcement after being spotted participating in a street race. While attempting to escape, he allegedly ran a red light and slammed into another vehicle driven by 36-year-old Jamal D. Parker, also of Durham.
Parker was pronounced dead at the scene, while a passenger in his vehicle sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
Facing Multiple Felony Charges
Court records show Ruiz-Gomez faces a long list of charges, including:
- Assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury
- Flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle
- Misdemeanor death by vehicle
- Speed competition
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard
- Driving while license revoked (not for impairment)
- Failure to stop for a red light
Authorities say Ruiz-Gomez’s actions displayed “wanton disregard for human life,” leading to one of several fatal crashes linked to illegal racing in Durham County this year.
Judge Sets $1.5 Million Bond
At his first court appearance Monday morning, a Durham County judge ordered Ruiz-Gomez held on a $1.5 million secured bond, citing the severity of the charges and public safety concerns…