The child, identified as Saeed, was ejected about 60 feet and later had a below-the-knee amputation, relatives said.
DALLAS, Texas — Dallas police say a 23-year-old man showing signs of intoxication crashed into a family on North Central Expressway shortly after 1 a.m. on Jan. 1, causing a rollover that left a 7-year-old boy with life-altering injuries and triggered felony intoxication assault charges.
The case has become an early-year marker for road safety and criminal enforcement. Investigators identified the driver as Michael Lavarius McRae. Officers said witnesses reported a white Honda Civic moving at high speed and weaving through traffic in the minutes before the collision. The impact flipped the family’s vehicle as they headed north after New Year’s Eve festivities. The boy, Saeed, was thrown from the car and later underwent a below-the-knee amputation at a Dallas hospital. McRae was arrested, cited also for lacking insurance, and released on bond while the investigation continues.
Police said the family of four remained together until the crash, with Saeed in the back seat. After the collision, motorists stopped and provided first aid until paramedics arrived. Saeed was found roughly 60 feet from the car with severe bleeding. “It’s tragedy for me, tragedy because do you know how to see your child in this condition?” his mother, Ruksara Abbasova, said. “He said, ‘The main thing is that I’m alive. I will be better.’” The rest of the family sustained injuries that were not detailed by authorities, who continued to collect statements from drivers who witnessed the speeding Honda.
Officials said McRae faces intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury, resisting arrest, and failure to maintain financial responsibility. Investigators have not released toxicology numbers, and a full reconstruction report is pending. Detectives are reviewing highway camera footage, vehicle data, and 911 calls to map the path of the Honda Civic before the crash. The family’s vehicle was towed for inspection. Police did not describe the exact lane configuration or speed at the moment of impact, which remain key questions in determining any additional charges.
Central Expressway carries heavy nightlife traffic during New Year’s celebrations. The early morning timing complicated the response because lanes were dark and crowded with holiday drivers. In prior years, police agencies around Dallas have stepped up overnight patrols during the holiday period. In this case, officials said quick action by bystanders and medics stabilized Saeed before transport to a children’s hospital. A few days after the crash, he turned 8 while still hospitalized. His mother said he has asked for a therapy dog to help him cope with pain and recovery, and that he remembers the crash clearly.
Prosecutors will review the police file and lab results before any indictment decision. If indicted, intoxication assault can carry prison time under Texas law when it causes serious bodily injury. No hearing date had been posted as of Monday. Police said McRae posted bond after booking and that additional notices will be filed when testing is complete. The family is preparing for rehabilitation and future prosthetic fitting, a process that can extend over months, while relatives organize support for hospital bills.
Drivers who stopped at the scene described a sudden halt in northbound lanes and flashing emergency lights as crews worked in the roadway. Traffic was diverted while investigators documented tire marks and vehicle positions. “Everyone needs to think about other people too,” Abbasova said. “You can change the life of the child, the family.” The driver has not made a public statement. Police did not announce further arrests.
As of Jan. 19, Saeed remained hospitalized in Dallas while detectives finalize tests and assemble reports for prosecutors. Officials said an update is expected once crash reconstruction and lab analyses are returned.
Author note: Last updated January 19, 2026.