Houston Police Department

March 20, 2006 -- Houston police are investigating a traffic accident involving an off-duty HPD officer at 1300 East Loop North (northbound) on March 19, 2006 about 3 a.m.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant G.T. Hall and Officer S. Martinez reported:

The off-duty HPD officer was driving his personal vehicle northbound on the East Loop North. He drove onto the shoulder and struck an unoccupied parked vehicle and then a third vehicle was struck. All three vehicles were engulfed in flames. The third vehicle had two people inside who were ejected, thrown over the guardrail and landed on the ground below. One of the ejected individuals suffered severe head trauma and the other is in critical condition. The officer was pulled out of his burning truck by a passing motorist and was transported to the hospital with severe injuries.

The HPD Mobility Incident Management and Internal Affairs Divisions are investigating this incident with charges to be determined after a complete investigation.

JGA/MES 3-20-06
Inc#43914206

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