Update on Traffic Incident at 5300 Lawndale August 22, 2007 - Houston police have learned the identity of the victim of a fatal traffic accident in the 5300 block of Lawndale about 1:25 a.m. on August 17. The victim, Eddie Griffin, 25, was identified by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s office. HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant D. Arnold and Officers D. Gutierrez, M. Wick and D. Hall reported: The victim was driving a Nissan sport utility vehicle and traveling west on Lawndale when he disregarded a railroad warning signal, drove through the railroad arm and then struck the side of a Union Pacific train as it traveled south on the tracks. The Nissan caught on fire as the train stopped. Fire consumed the vehicle and the side of a railcar being used to transport plastic granules. The driver of the Nissan died at the scene. HPD investigators identified Mr. Griffin as the registered owner of the vehicle after the vehicle was brought in for processing. The medical examiner’s office used dental records to positively identify Griffin on Tuesday (Aug. 21). Update JFC/MES 8-22-07 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |