Update in Fatal Traffic Accident at 8100 Almeda Genoa

June 9, 2009 - A female passenger injured in a traffic accident in the 8100 block of Almeda Genoa about 11 p.m. on May 17 has died from her injuries.

The female victim, Brianna Perez, 15, of Houston, suffered serious head injuries and was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced dead Friday (June 5).

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeants D. Arnold and L. Lefler and Officer J. Lin reported:

The driver of a white flatbed wrecker, Theophilus Tarlton, 53, was traveling eastbound on Almeda Genoa at Randolph when he turned left into the median and failed to yield to oncoming traffic.  As the wrecker crossed the westbound lanes, the driver of a green Buick Century, traveling westbound on Almeda Genoa, tried to drive around the wrecker but the passenger side of the Buick struck the rear end of the wrecker.  The Buick then went up on the median and came to a stop near a tree.  Ms. Perez, a passenger in the Buick, was critically injured and taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where she later died.  Tarlton fled the scene without rendering any aid to the injured Perez.

The investigation continues.

Update:  KJS/JC
VHS/JFC 5-18-09
Inc. #071596409

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