Traffic Incident at 14100 Gulf Freeway

July 22, 2007 - Charges are pending against a suspect arrested in a fatal traffic accident in the 14100 block of the Gulf Freeway (Interstate 45 South) about 2:15 a.m. today (July 22).

The suspect, Devin McNeil James (b/m, DOB: 9/19/79), faces possible charges of manslaughter. The female victim was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where she later died. Her identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant D. Arnold and Officer S. Johnson reported:

Witnesses reported seeing a silver Chevrolet Camaro and another silver vehicle racing at a high rate of speed on the northbound lanes of the Gulf Freeway. As the vehicles approached the South Sam Houston Parkway (Beltway 8 South), the Camaro struck a maroon Chevrolet pickup, causing the truck to flip over and skid on the shoulder before striking the column under the freeway ramp. The Camaro spun out, struck the left shoulder and bounced off before coming to rest on the freeway. The second vehicle continued northbound on the freeway.

HFD personnel removed the driver of the truck and his 11-month old daughter, and both were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in stable condition. A third passenger, the driver’s wife, was eight months pregnant and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital. Hospital personnel performed an emergency cesarian section and delivered the newborn, but the victim did not survive.

Anyone with information regarding the second vehicle reportedly racing in this incident is asked to contact the HPD Mobility Incident Management Division at 713-247-4072.

The investigation is continuing.

GO/JFC 7-22-07
Inc #108165507

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.