Incident at 22600 Eastex Freeway

March 26, 2007 -- Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal traffic accident in the 22600 block of the Eastex Freeway (Highway 59 North) about 3:40 p.m. on Sunday (Mar. 25).

The suspect, Ignacio Gomez-Guiterrez (H/m, DOB 5-25-81), is charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of failure to stop and render aid in the 180th State District Court.

The Harris County Medical Examiner’s office has identified the two deceased female victims as Vanessa Ortiz, 18, and Maria Ortiz, 49. Both lived at 18883 Ferny Lane in Porter, Texas. Houston police investigators were told Vanessa was pregnant.

HPD Mobility Incident Management Division Sergeant P. Casares and Officers J. Calvillo and Y. Bashir reported:

Witnesses said the suspect was driving a 2001 green Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at a high rate of speed southbound on the Eastex Freeway. His vehicle was seen passing and nearly striking one vehicle and then slamming into the back of a 1998 white Buick. The two female victims inside the Buick were killed on impact. Vanessa Ortiz was the driver.

The suspect ran from his vehicle and the accident scene. He tried to cross the northbound lanes of the Eastex Freeway service road where he was struck by a vehicle. The suspect managed to get up and run further before he was arrested by HPD officers moments later.

JFC/MES 3-26-07
Inc #043382707

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