May 1, 2012 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal traffic accident in the 3300 block of South Rice Boulevard about 6 a.m. on Sunday (April 29).

The suspect, Carla Lopez (H/f, DOB: 1-1-92), is charged with intoxication assault and intoxication manslaughter in the 351st State District Court.  She remains at Ben Taub General Hospital with non life-threatening injuries.  A photo of Lopez is not available at this time.

The female victim, 26, of Houston, was pronounced dead at the scene.  Her identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  A male victim, 30, was seriously injured in the accident and transported to Ben Taub General Hospital.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant. D. Thomas and Officer K. Hines reported:

Lopez was driving a black Dodge Charger southbound on South Rice when she said she changed lanes to avoid a slow moving vehicle.  She then lost control of the vehicle and struck an electrical pole.  A female backseat passenger was killed and a male backseat passenger suffered serious injuries.  Neither passenger was wearing a seat belt.

Lopez was taken to the hospital for treatment of minor injuries and charged after investigators determined alcohol was involved in the accident.



JKS/JFC   5-1-12
Inc. #053947212-K