A summer evening street race in McKinney, Texas, has landed two men behind bars after a horrific crash killed an elderly couple who had nothing to do with the illegal contest happening around them. FOX 4 News reports that 51-year-old James Armont and 22-year-old Braydon Moss now face serious charges stemming from the July 17 crash that killed 77-year-old William and Sandra Lazarus.
According to an arrest affidavit reviewed by FOX 4, Armont was driving a 2021 BMW when he reportedly pulled alongside Moss’ Tesla at a red light on Custer Road and began taunting the other driver about his “racing slicks.” Dashcam footage later recovered by investigators allegedly captured Armont laughing and accelerating as the two vehicles raced through traffic.
Police say the crash happened at the intersection of Custer Road and Bedford Drive in McKinney. Investigators say Moss narrowly avoided colliding with the Lazarus vehicle as it entered the intersection, but Armont’s BMW struck it at 112 mph in a 50 mph zone. The force of the impact reportedly launched the SUV off the ground and left both occupants fatally injured.
Armont himself was seriously hurt in the crash and was reportedly found in the passenger seat of his own vehicle. According to the affidavit, he suffered a facial fracture, a lacerated liver and spleen, and a broken femur. It’s the kind of story that reminds us why so many of us who love cars also take safety seriously. Speed has its place, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a fast car the way it was built to be enjoyed. But that place is a track, not a public street where regular folks are just trying to get where they’re going.
What The Charges Look Like
Armont was arrested on July 21 and charged with two counts of manslaughter tied to the deaths of William and Sandra Lazarus. Moss later turned himself in on July 25 and was charged with two counts of racing on a highway resulting in injury or death.
Investigators say dashcam footage recovered from Armont’s BMW showed the moments leading up to the crash. According to the affidavit, Armont could be heard challenging Moss before accelerating, while video allegedly showed him weaving through traffic at triple-digit speeds in an attempt to catch up to the Tesla.
Police and residents alike say street racing has been a recurring problem in the area, raising questions about safety along the busy McKinney corridor where the crash occurred.
A Witness Who Saw It All
Residents who spoke with FOX 4 described the collision in chilling terms. One witness who saw the crash unfold said there was “no brakes” and “no skidding” before impact.
At more than twice the posted speed limit, there was little opportunity for anyone involved to react. Another nearby resident told FOX 4 they immediately feared the crash would be fatal after hearing the impact.
Every car enthusiast has felt the pull of a good pull. That rush when the road opens up and the engine finally gets to breathe. But there’s a massive difference between an open track day and treating a public road like a personal proving ground.
This crash is a painful example of how quickly that gap can close. Two people who were simply driving through an intersection never made it home because of decisions made by others. Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of William and Sandra Lazarus.
As with all criminal cases, the charges against Armont and Moss are allegations, and both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.