Houston Police Department

March 18, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating a fatal traffic accident on South Gessner at Beechnut about 3:10 a.m. today (Mar. 18).

The identity of the deceased victim is pending verification by the Harris County Medical Examiner's office.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant D.S. Runyan and Officer T.D. Houston reported:

The driver of a late-model Jeep SUV traveling southbound on South Gessner struck a late-model Chevrolet Impala traveling westbound on Beechnut. A passenger in the Impala was pronounced dead at the scene. A male believed to be the driver of the Jeep was taken into custody for suspicion of driving while intoxicated and a mandatory blood sample was performed on him at an area hospital. However, it is unclear at this time whether he was the actual driver at the time of the accident. The driver of the Impala was transported to an area hospital in an unknown condition.

The investigation is continuing.

NJM/JFC 3/18/06
Inc #043365806

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.