POLICE Department

Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash at 6144 Southwest Freeway

January 17, 2017 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 6144 Southwest Freeway (South U.S. Highway 59) about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday (Jan. 14).

The suspect, Victor Manuel Garcia (H/m, 48), is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 182nd State District Court.  A photo of Garcia - with lacerations sustained in the crash - is attached to this news release.

One female victim, 34, was transported to Memorial Hermann Southwest Hospital where she was pronounced dead.  Her identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

Up to 11 other persons - including a 3-year-old girl reported in critical condition - were injured and taken to area hospitals.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant A. Thomas and Officer F. Flynn reported:

A five-vehicle crash involved a black Dodge Durango, a white Chevrolet Tahoe, a black Scion TC, a white Chevrolet Impala and a blue Honda CRV.

The male driver of the Durango (Garcia) was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway and sideswiped the Scion before striking the Tahoe head-on.  The Tahoe, driven by the victim, was then struck again by a blue Honda CRV.  The driver of the Scion lost control and was struck head-on by the Impala.       

The suspect, Garcia, was treated at an area hospital and then transported to jail.