A Texas teenager is facing intense charges after authorities say he sped through traffic at nearly 130 MPH in a red Ford Mustang. This happened after reports of reckless driving and a road rage incident in Montgomery County.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office began receiving numerous calls on May 24 at around 9 pm concerning the Mustang. Callers explained that the red Mustang had distinctive purple taillights and was racing and aggressively harassing other drivers on FM 1488 in Magnolia.
According to these same callers, the situation became a public safety concern that escalated beyond speeding and reckless lane changes. At one point, the Mustang even came to a complete stop on the roadway, stopping traffic in a way that was considered to be road rage.
It wasn’t long before this that the Mustang was spotted by officers who initiated a pursuit. At one point, the Mustand reached approximately 130 MPH during the incident.
Teen Driving Mustang Leads Officers on Chase
After the Mustang transitioned onto I-45, it sped up and started to weave around other vehicles. The driver even illegally passed traffic by using the left shoulder of the interstate, kicking up debris that struck passing vehicles.
When spotted, the driver accelerated even more to try to escape, reaching speeds of 130 MPH throughout. Eventually, when officers caught up with him, the driver was identified as being 19-year-old Rhyder Tettleton. He was arrested and charged with racing on a highway.
Because many people associate street racing with multiple vehicles competing side by side, another driver does not need to be involved for the charges to apply. Texas Transportation Code Section 545.420 allows drivers to be charged with racing even if only one vehicle is involved.
Mustang Was Seized After the Arrest
The same law featured above also authorizes officers to seize vehicles used in racing incidents if the legal criteria are met. It was not implied that Tettleton’s Mustand was seized following the arrest.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that dangerous driving, especially that involving fast speeds and road rage, is a major concern in the county. In a statement made by police, deputies explained that they will aggressively enforce laws targeting dangerous driving.
Authorities said, “The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office maintains a zero-tolerance policy for road rage and street racing.” No injuries were reported during the accident.
Reactions to Mustang Sending Police on a Wild Chase
Commenters shared how they felt about the chase in the replies below the statement made by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. On person wrote, “Sure glad there was not social media growing up in the 70’s and 80’s …. Racing at rankin rd or any road for that matter on the weekends …. Good times.”
Another commenter poked fun at the suspect’s name, saying, “Looks like Rhyder will be a bus rhyder from now on.” In the same vein, another person wrote, “19 YEARS OLD trying to explain to his parents why he no longer owns his car….. lol”
Local authorities did not release additional identifying information. When agencies provide limited details, we supplement reporting with local news coverage, public records, and direct outreach whenever possible. In this case, no additional information was available at the time of publication.