Man shuts down I-45 so that he can propose to his girlfriend

Charges Filed

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HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Charges have been filed against a man who stopped traffic on a busy freeway for a marriage proposal.

The proposal happened on the North Freeway near downtown Houston on Sunday. Eyewitness News learned Tuesday that Harris County District Attorney's Office is charging Vidal Valladares, 24, with obstruction of highway, a class b misdemeanor.

We spoke with the couple on Tuesday, as Valladares said he was going downtown to answer to the charges.

Couple talks about proposal charge


"I'm feeling bad, and of course," said Valladares. "I'm wanting to apologize to everyone if I caused any problems. That wasn't my intention in the beginning. I just wanted to do something different."

"He just proposed . It's not like he did it, I don't know,' said Valladares' fiance, Michelle Wycoff. "It's hard and knowing the fact; We find it scary, you know. And we're really sorry."

Both Valladares and Wycoff say they were surprised about the charges. Valladares said he just wanted to do something different. He says it knows it was crazy and dangerous, but he's in love and it was worth it.

A lot of our viewers chimed in on this via Facebook.

Tia Leigh Sembera says, "While it's sweet, it's selfish and rude. He completely disregarded other people's lives."

And while most of the comments side with police, others came to the couple's defense.

Christine Schultz Betancourt, "Please I was in traffic at this time people were going around honking and clapping no big deal. Congratulations to the couple."

A happy Couple, for better or worse.

"We hope that everyone can forgive us," said Wycoff.

"If I need to turn myself in I will. This is on me. This is something I planned, not her or my friends. I'm responsible," added Valladares.

 

lot of angry people in this thread, I just feel sorry for you guys. Hope you find happieness one day...

 

Thanks Vidal.

 

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Kind of don't see the romance. Maybe he could have just pulled over on the side of the road in his car. What if there had been an ambulance/fire truck/police emergency that needed to pass through there?

Also, would be a hilarious end if judge sentenced him to some community service...specifically cleaning up that section of I45.

 

I'm guessing you don't drive in rush hour Houston traffic much. It will leave a lasting impression and no tolerance for stupid **** on the freeway.

Regardless, I've softened my view since seeing the video- stupid kids doing stupid stuff. Slap on the wrist, move on.

 

The problem is, what is the next level up of stupidity for some other stupid kid to do?

This was dangerous and while nothing did happen other than a couple of minutes of inconvenience, something very bad could have happened.

 

This does not anger me at all, but I just think it is such an unsafe gesture and the least bit romantic. Good job for him getting her to say yes, but its just too weird of a spot to choose.

 

Yeah, I'm not angry....I just think it's really silly. I mean, can you possibly find a less romantic spot to propose to your girlfriend? Like someone else said, you may as well have proposed next to a trash dumpster or inside a sewage plant.

 

So the fresh scent of oil, gas fumes, sticky asphalt, roadkill and angry drivers isn't romantic?

No he drives in rush hour all the time and loves it. If you don't like rubber necking, cars out of gas, texting accidents and debris falling off of Hispanics overloaded trucks well, I hope you can find happiness someday.

 

I think 45 is more scenic just before you hit Galveston.


Hell, he could have driven a little further south, taken her to Clader Drive and proposed in the killing fields. THAT is romance.

 

IMO, 610 right by the Galleria is a great place to propose.

Especially the center lane. You get a great view

 

That's cute, but yeah... not smart to back up 45. C'mon now.

 

Obstruction of highway? I've never heard of that one. lol

I guess they should have checked the highway laws before they did this.

While it seems like a harmless 35 seconds, it created conditions where something serious could have happened like a rear-end collision.

What they did was dumb. I expect they will pay a fine and be on their wedded way.

 

I'd run they asses over. Don't give a fukk

 

No need to check laws. Just use commen sense. There are probably a lot of things that aren't against the law that are just plain stupid.

 

This guy makes dumb decision after dumb decision. Recently divorced 6 months ago lol

http://www.houstonpress.com/news/du...-six-months-after-his-divorce-updated-8000751

 

what's wrong with that part of 45. it's actually pretty nice skyline view. My friend's car ran out of gas right about there and it was a really nice view especially at night when I helped him. at least he was smart enough to not do it at night.

 

I would plead carfluenza.

 

Should have done it under an overpass instead. You know how many bums would have had their day made?