On the evening of Wednesday, April 5, Garland Police Department officers attempted to make a traffic stop that resulted in the car fleeing and crashing a short time later. The accident resulted in the death of one of the passengers in the suspect vehicle.
At around 10:25 p.m., GPD officers attempted to stop a white Nissan Altima for a traffic violation. The vehicle failed to stop and led officers on a short vehicle pursuit in the area of North Garland Avenue at West Walnut Street. The driver of the Nissan disregarded the flashing red lights for the DART train arms in the 300 block of North Garland Avenue. Officers terminated the pursuit and stopped for the passing train. Officers lost sight of the suspect vehicle which continued south on North Garland Avenue.
A short time later, officers came upon an accident involving the suspect vehicle at the intersection of South Garland Avenue and West Ave B. The preliminary investigation revealed the driver of the Nissan ran a red light at the intersection and collided with a passenger car.
Five persons were transported to local hospitals. Three individuals were in the suspect car and two passengers were in the other involved vehicle. A passenger in the suspect vehicle, identified as a 16-year-old male from Dallas, was transported to a local hospital. He died as a result of his injuries.
The driver of the suspect car, 18-year-old Zayvion Smith of Dallas, is in custody. He is being charged with Murder. Additional charges on Smith are pending.
No bond has been set. This is an ongoing investigation. No photo for Zayvion Smith is currently available.