Family calls for change to HPD's chase policy

The family wants reimbursements for hospital expenses they're having to incur as a results of the accident that ended the pursuit. They're also asking the city to re-examine HPD's chase policy.

"They could have blocked him in," said Gabriel Alvarado, whose father was hurt in the crash at the end of the pursuit. "There's one way in, one way out."

For Alvarado, Saturday's police chase was unnecessary. Alvarado and his family called for a change in the Houston police chase policy.

He wanted us to see a picture of his father, Maurillo Alvarado. He is recovering at Ben Taub hospital, suffering several broken bones as well as a collapsed lung.

Alvarado was a passenger Saturday in an SUV hit by 17-year-old Frank Marron. Marron was the object of a Houston police chase when it was determined Marron was driving a stolen truck.

Marron was arrested. The driver of the SUV, Homero Rosales, died.

"A 17-year-old might have made a stupid mistake, but we believe the Houston Police Department, if it doesn't change its chase policy, is making a stupider mistake that's affecting the citizens of Houston," said Domingo Garcia, Alvarado's attorney.

Houston police had no comment Monday about their chase policy, issuing this statement Saturday:

"It is the suspect's actions that determine the outcome of these pursuits. This pursuit as with all other pursuits will be reviewed to determine if policy was followed."

Meanwhile, Alvarado says Saturday was his father's birthday and they were preparing for a party.

"Within a half second, your life changes. They killed my dad's friend and my dad almost died, too," he said. "We don't' know if my dad's going to be alright. My whole life is going to change. I'm going to take care of my dad."

As for Marron, his bond was doubled Monday morning to $100,000. The family of Rosales was in court to witness Marron's appearance.

"They have tremendous grief and are devastated and trying to get through the grieving process," said family attorney Juan Hernandez. "The family's understandably upset. And we'll get through this process as best as possible."

As for the Alvarado family, they say they plan to attend the next council meeting to speak to Houston city leaders about their chase policy.