Teen Ejected From Stolen Car and Killed

Beaumont police are investigating an accident that killed a teenager who was ejected from a stolen car and injured another teenage occupant.

Justice of the Peace Vi McGinnis identifies the victim as Darion Richard, 16.

Police say shortly before 11 p.m. Tuesday, a Beaumont police auto theft detective saw a

stolen 2005 Red Toyota Corolla at the intersection of East Lucas and Concord. It had been reported stolen in Beaumont on November 18. The detective called for back-up units. Police say as the driver of the stolen vehicle traveled under the Dowlen and Eastex underpass, an officer in a marked patrol car activated his overhead lights and siren in an attempt to stop the stolen vehicle.

The driver sped away and entered the southbound lanes of the Eastex Freeway. The driver then took the Delaware exit and continued south on the service road. The driver lost control after crossing Calder Avenue. The car began to flip near the Alibi Lounge and the vehicle came to rest near the Maury Meyers Bridge.

Richard was thrown from the vehicle and was dead on the scene. The other occupant, 16, ran away but police quickly caught him. He was taken to a hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Justice of the Peace Vi McGinnis pronounced Richard dead and ordered an autopsy.

Police say they're still trying to determine who was driving the car.