Murder Suspect Pushes Woman Out of Car Before Deadly Dallas Police Chase

DALLAS – A high-speed police chase in Red Oak turned deadly after a known capital murder suspect, Gabriel Cerna, pushed a woman out of an SUV on Interstate 35E before speeding away.

An arrest affidavit reveals that Dallas Police initiated the pursuit only after witnessing Cerna forcefully eject the woman onto the freeway. The chase ended tragically when Cerna crashed into another car, killing Anthony Welch and severely injuring his wife, Dee Baker.

What Happened:
Cerna, 29, was wanted for capital murder, aggravated robbery, and evading arrest. Officers booked him into the Dallas County jail on January 24 with a $2.09 million bond after his release from the hospital.

Dallas PD unmarked units initially followed Cerna as a passenger in an SUV leaving a residence on Clarendon Drive. Officers waited until an Air-1 helicopter arrived before marked units stopped the SUV on I-35 near Glenn Heights. At that moment, Cerna moved to the driver’s seat and pushed a woman onto the freeway pavement before fleeing.

Police Justification for the Chase:
Retired Dallas Police Assistant Chief Randall Blankenbaker, who oversaw pursuit policy for 11 years, stated that officers must weigh several factors before initiating a chase.

“When he pushed the woman out and put her in danger, now you’ve got cause to believe not only is he a violent felon but someone who poses a current and continuing risk to the public,” Blankenbaker told NBC 5.

Deadly Outcome:
After Cerna sped off, a 2.7-mile chase ended near the Red Oak Road exit when he lost control and crashed into Welch’s vehicle, killing the father, grandfather, and husband instantly.

Paramedics treated the woman pushed from the car, but she did not require further medical attention before her arrest. Authorities charged 32-year-old Kristina Urquidimora with hindering the arrest of a felon. Investigators say she knew Cerna was wanted for murder before the deadly chase. She remains in the Dallas County jail on a $225,000 bond.

This tragic incident underscores the dangers of high-speed pursuits and the calculated decisions officers must make when handling violent suspects.