April 3, 2013 - Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident in the 12200 block of the Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) about 7:05 p.m. on Tuesday (April 2).

The female victim, 28, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant P. Kung and Senior Police Officer T. Nguyen reported:

The driver of a gray Toyota 4Runner was inside his vehicle with the victim and her two children in a parking lot at the above address. As the male driver and the victim's daughter stepped out of the vehicle, the victim jumped into the driver's seat and asked the male to teach her how to drive. The victim released the hand brake and stepped on the accelerator. Before the male could stop her, the vehicle took off and struck the exterior of a furniture store and then hit a parked 2004 black Dodge Neon. The victim died at the scene. The victim's 10-year-old son, who was in the vehicle at the time of the accident, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition.

Further investigation determined the female victim was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

VHS/JFC 4-3-13
Inc. #040213113-C