November 7, 2011 - Charges have been filed against a suspect in a fatal traffic accident at 1830 West Alabama about 2:30 a.m. today (Nov. 7).

Samuel Sanchez (H/m, DOB: 4-30-86) is charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxicated assault in the 263rd State District Court.  A photo of Sanchez is attached to this news release.

The male victim, 35, was pronounced dead at the scene.  His identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Arnold and Officer J. Perrotte reported:

The victim was a back seat passenger in a silver Nissan Pathfinder traveling eastbound on West Alabama near Driscoll.  The Nissan left the eastbound lane, crossed the center and westbound lanes and then drove into a private parking lot at the above location.  The Nissan continued into a wooden fence on the east side of the parking lot and struck a house behind it.  The victim was transported to the hospital where he died.  The driver (Sanchez) and front seat passenger were transported to Ben Taub General Hospital in unknown conditions.

Further investigation determined Sanchez was intoxicated at the time of the accident and he was subsequently charged in this case.