A Midland man has been charged with murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon following a high-speed pursuit that investigators say resulted in the death of an 18-year-old driver and left four passengers critically injured.
According to the Midland Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit, officers responded at approximately 1:24 a.m. on June 1 to reports of a disturbance involving two vehicles near the intersection of Loop 250 and Fairgrounds Road. Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2009 Ford F-150 that had crashed into a concrete retention wall beneath the intersection.
The driver of the vehicle, identified as 18-year-old James Baker of Midland, was pronounced dead at the scene. Four passengers inside the truck sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to local hospitals for emergency treatment.
During the investigation, detectives learned that one of the truck’s occupants had called 911 shortly before the crash. According to court documents, the occupants reported that they were being followed by another pickup truck and alleged that the pursuing driver had displayed a firearm. Dispatch recordings reportedly captured the callers expressing fear and reacting to what they believed were gunshots moments before the collision occurred.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage showing the Ford F-150 traveling through a neighborhood before being followed by another vehicle at a high rate of speed. Detectives later contacted Roberto Pando III while canvassing the area for additional evidence.
Authorities said Pando initially claimed he was attempting to obtain the truck’s license plate due to concerns about recent neighborhood burglaries. However, investigators reported that he later admitted to following the vehicle through several Midland roadways. Police also allege that Pando withheld portions of a cellphone video because he had been intoxicated during the pursuit and was facing a second driving-while-intoxicated offense.
Detectives say the original video showed Pando traveling directly behind the Ford at speeds approaching 115 mph. He was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the fatal incident.
