Traffic Incident at Market and Sheffield

October 8, 2006 -- Charges of intoxication manslaughter are pending against a suspect involved in a fatal traffic accident at Market and Sheffield about 5:35 a.m. on Saturday (Oct. 7).

The suspect is identified as Omar Cardenas (H/m, DOB 3/20/89).

The identity of the deceased male victim is pending verification by the Harris County Medical Examiner's office.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant G.T. Hall and Officer J. Nickel reported:

Cardenas was driving 1998 Nissan Maxima westbound on Market when he struck a 1995 Toyota Paseo traveling south on Sheffield. A front seat passenger in the Toyota died at the scene. Cardenas was taken into custody for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and a mandatory blood sample was taken at an area hospital. Several other vehicle occupants were transported to area hospitals with unknown injuries. It is unknown which vehicle ran the red light at this time.

The investigation is continuing.

NJM 10/8/06
Inc #15479006

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