Fatal Traffic Accident at 9000 Gulf Freeway

September 26, 2008 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in the 9000 block of the Gulf Freeway (Interstate Highway 45 South) about 1:40 a.m. today (September 26).

One male, Alfonso Hernandez, 50, was pronounced dead at the scene. A second male, Gabriel Valdez, 23, was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in an unknown condition.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Morgan and Officer D. Hall reported:

Valdez, operating a red Suzuki motorcycle with Hernandez as a passenger, refused to stop for officers and was being pursued through downtown by HPD South Central Patrol officers. Officer K. L. Flowers, of the Eastside Patrol Division, heard the pursuit on the radio and parked his patrol vehicle on the right shoulder of the Gulf Freeway near the Monroe entrance ramp to assist South Central patrol officers. Officer Flowers then saw the motorcycle on the service road switching from lane to lane at a high rate of speed, activated his overhead strobe lights and attempted to drive into the far right lane. The motorcycle then entered the freeway and struck the rear of Officer Flowers’ patrol vehicle. Valdez and Hernandez were both thrown from the motorcycle.

Officer Flowers was not injured in the accident.

The investigation is continuing.

VHS/JFC/BDW
Inc. #142198308

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