NSP Troopers Arrest Driver, Find Deceased Person in Trunk After Pursuit

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (Press Release) - Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol have apprehended the subject of a law enforcement alert from Texas and discovered a deceased individual in the trunk of a car. According to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the 17-year-old driver was identified as Tyler Roenz of Humble, Texas. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office reported both Roenz and his mother 49-year-old Michelle Roenz missing on Thursday morning.

The discovery of the body came after troopers located and pursued a vehicle suspected to be involved in a homicide in Texas. NSP was alerted by authorities with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas that a vehicle believed to be involved in a homicide was traveling in Nebraska at 2:45 p.m. Friday. Troopers were able to locate the vehicle, a Mazda 3, less than 15 minutes later as it was traveling westbound on Interstate 80 near Grand Island.

A trooper attempted a traffic stop, but the driver of the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed. The trooper initiated a pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued westbound with speeds in excess of 110 miles per hour.

After approximately nine miles, the Mazda attempted to slow down, but struck the rear of a semi, left the roadway, and struck a tree in the ditch near mile marker 299. Troopers were on the scene immediately and located the driver with severe injuries.

Troopers then located a deceased woman in the trunk of the car. NSP is currently working to positively identify the victim.

Roenz has been transported to St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island with what are believed to be non-life-threatening injuries.

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