Houston Police Department
Investigation into Fatal Traffic Accident at 500 Chartres

October 2, 2013 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in the 500 block of Chartres about 3:35 a.m. today.

The female victim, 21, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced dead. Her identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant I. Izaguirre and Officer A. Hart reported:

An HPD officer was in her patrol vehicle and transporting a female suspect to the Sobering Center for public intoxication. A preliminary investigation indicates the officer was traveling northbound in the 500 block of Chartres and had the green light. A red Chevrolet Cobalt, traveling eastbound on Texas Avenue, ran the red light and struck the patrol vehicle on the back left passenger door. The impact caused the female to be ejected from the patrol vehicle. She was transported to the hospital where she died. The female driver of the Cobalt and her rear seat passenger were also transported to the hospital with non life-threatening injuries. The HPD officer was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with minor injuries.

It is believed the driver of the Cobalt was intoxicated at the time of the accident.

A preliminary investigation indicates the female prisoner was not properly restrained in a seatbelt in the backseat of the patrol vehicle.
The incident is being investigated by the Vehicular Crimes and Internal Affairs Divisions.

Update JFC/VHS 10-2-13
VHS/JFC 10-2-13
Inc. #123490913-A


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