HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — A Houston police officer is off the job after being arrested for allegedly racing at extreme speeds along the Grand Parkway with his son in the backseat.
Authorities said the officer was pulled over Thursday night after a Harris County Sheriff’s deputy observed two vehicles racing at speeds approaching 130 miles per hour – double the posted 65 mph speed limit.
The officer has been identified as Giovanni-Quinn Gumataotao, a two-year veteran of the Houston Police Department. He is charged with racing on a highway and endangering a child.
According to court records, a patrol deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department first spotted Gumataotao driving a black sedan alongside another black sedan on the Grand Parkway. The deputy reportedly struggled to keep up as the vehicles accelerated to nearly 130 mph.
Investigators said after one of the drivers exited the freeway, another vehicle pulled up alongside Gumataotao’s car and the two allegedly began racing again. The deputy continued following the vehicle until it exited at Clay Road, where a traffic stop was initiated.
During the stop, the deputy discovered Gumataotao’s 8-year-old son seated in the backseat. Authorities said the officer’s wife was called to pick up the child while Gumataotao was arrested and taken to jail. He has since posted bond.
Houston police confirmed Gumataotao has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the case.
ABC13 went to the officer’s home on Friday, but no one answered the door.
Harris County officials noted that while a task force was launched last year to combat speeding along the Grand Parkway, this traffic stop was made by a regular patrol deputy and not a member of that task force.
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