Arlington man jailed for causing multiple-car crashes, shooting

Arlington man Thomas Lester Harper jailed

An Arlington man has been jailed after identified as suspect in two multiple-vehicle crashes and shooting that left two people dead and four injured including two toddlers in Arlington, Texas.

Thomas Lester Harper, 27, is now being held at the Arlington City Jail on $555,000 bond after charged with murder, intoxication manslaughter and two counts of child abandonment and endangerment. Police believe drugs were a factor.

Police said Harper drove his blue sport utility vehicle - with his twin toddlers inside - when he caused a three-vehicle wreck on N. Collins Street.

Harper then fled the scene before causing a second multiple-vehicle crash in which killed 42-year-old motorist Najee Nasir.

Police officials said Harper then fatally shot 19-year-old Clarenence Bryan Robinson who reportedly was trying to help those involved in the crash.

Harper, who was laughing at the scene, reportedly admitted his involvement to the police. A handgun was recovered at the scene.

His toddler-aged twins - a boy and a girl - were brought to Cook Children's Hospital in Fort Worth for non-life threatening injuries.