POLICE Department

Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash at 10100 Southwest Freeway

January 23, 2017 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash that occurred at 10100 Southwest Freeway (South U.S. Highway 59) service road about 12:40 a.m. today (January 23).  

The suspect Rodney Prejean (b/m, 42), is charged with driving while intoxicated in Harris County Criminal Court #4.  A photo of suspect Prejean is attached to this news release.  

The male victim, 44, was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant E. Fendia and Officer K. Hines reported:  

Prejean was driving a white Mercedes MI320 southbound on the Southwest Freeway service and alleged he was struck in the face with a closed fist by his male passenger (victim).  The passenger then jumped out of the vehicle while it was still moving.  Prejean stopped the vehicle and remained at the scene.  He admitted to responding officers he was impaired.  Investigators determined Prejean was impaired and he was subsequently charged.  Prejean also made a statement that the victim was under the influence of narcotics and narcotics were recovered in the vehicle.

The investigation is continuing.