Tomas Ortiz, Jr. charged with intoxication manslaughter in high speed crash
Sadly Harris County has lost yet another member of our community to a drunk driving accident.
According to various media reports, 21-year old Tomas Ortiz, Jr. has admitted to speeding in excess of 100 miles-per-hour immediately before rear-ending a pickup truck on Clinton Drive at Crown Street in Galena Park at about 10:00 p.m. last night. Sergeant S. Wolverton with Harris County Sheriff’s Department told Channel 2 reporters that Ortiz reached about 110 MPH when he began to lose control of his vehicle. Ortiz claims he eased off the accelerator at that time and may have slowed to around 75 to 80 MPH when he hit the pickup truck.
When Ortiz’ white Dodge Challenger rear-ended the pickup, the pickup’s driver Elias Hernandez lost control, hit a concrete barrier and went into a creek. Five people were in the pickup truck at the time of the accident: Elias’ 57-year old wife Laura was killed in the accident. Two other adults and a 1-year old child were sent to LBJ Hospital in serious but stable condition. A passenger in Ortiz’ Dodge Challenger suffered minor injuries and was treated and released.
Tomas Ortiz, Jr. was arrested and has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. Channel 2’s report is here. Channel 13’s report is here. Channel 11’s report is here.
Tomas Ortiz, Jr.'s wrecked Dodge Challenger
Elias' Hernandez' pickup truck
Tags: Dodge Challenger, drunk driving accident, Elias Hernandez, Galena Park, Tomas Ortiz