July 7, 2024 - Charges have been filed against suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 9200 Eastex Freeway (North U.S. Highway 59) service road about 8:30 p.m. on Saturday (July 6).  

The suspect, Axel David Varela Rodriguez, 17, is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 482nd State District Court.  A booking photo of Varela Rodriguez is attached to this news release. 

The identity of the deceased male victim, 41, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.  

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant R. Dallas and Officer R. Young reported:  

Varela Rodriguez was driving a gray Jeep Cherokee northbound on the service road near the above address and failed to to stop at a stop light at the intersection of Tidwell Road.  His vehicle then struck a silver Toyota RAV4 traveling eastbound on Tidwell.  The impact caused the Toyota to strike the signal light pole.  

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded to the scene and pronounced the driver of the Toyota deceased.  Varela Rodriguez remained at the scene.  He was determined to be intoxicated, was subsequently charged in the crash and booked into the Harris County Jail.  
  


Axel David Varela Rodriguez



VHS/JFC  7-7-24
Inc. #096977324-X