Update: Suspect Charged in Fatal Traffic Accident at 12200 Gulf Freeway

June 28, 2011 - An additional charge has been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal traffic accident at 12200 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) about 12:30 a.m. today (June 28).

James John Onak (w/m, DOB: 7-5-61) is charged with felony accident involving injury in the 177th State District Court and driving while intoxicated in Harris County Criminal Court #15. A photo of Onak is attached to this news release.

Onak is accused in the death of a male pedestrian, 32, whose identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Arnold and Senior Police Officer R. Bymaster reported:

The victim pulled his Ford Explorer into the emergency lane on the left side of the Gulf Freeway southbound at Fuqua after it broke down. According to witnesses, he was running back and forth across the freeway when he was struck by Onak, driving a black Mazda 626. The victim went through the windshield and came to a rest in the front passenger seat of the Mazda. Onak continued driving until he was stopped by a Harris County Precinct 8 Deputy Constable on Beamer Road at Kirkvalley. According to the deputy, the Mazda had extensive front-end damage and he observed the deceased victim in the front passenger seat. Onak advised the deputy that he had hit something on the freeway but was not aware the victim was lying in the passenger seat. Onak was believed to be under the influence and a mandatory blood draw was taken.

The investigation is continuing.

Update: JKS/JFC 6-28-11
JKS/JFC 6-28-11
Inc. #083977211

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