March 1, 2019 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 14800 Galveston Road (State Highway 3) about 1:05 a.m. today (March 1).

The suspect, Erik Julian De Leon (H/m, 21), is charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault in the 174th State District Court.  A booking photo of De Leon, who remains hospitalized, is not available at this time.

The identity of the deceased male victim, 40, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Griffiths and Officer J. Best reported: 

The suspect was driving a silver Dodge Ram pickup truck northbound at the above address and struck a silver Mazda B2300 pickup truck stopped at the red light.  The suspect's truck then struck a silver Dodge Caliber, whose driver had a green light and was turning left on to Galveston Road.  

The victim, a backseat passenger in the Caliber, was pronounced dead at the scene.  The Caliber's driver, operating his ride share vehicle, was transported to Clear Lake Regional Medical Center in critical condition.  The suspect was transported to the same hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigators determined the suspect was intoxicated and he was subsequently charged.  In addition, Jesse Mercado (P/m, 32), the driver of the Mazda, was also determined to be intoxicated.  He was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated in Harris County Criminal Court #8.



JFC/JKS   3-1-19
Inc #026188019-B