POLICE Department
UPDATE: Suspect Charged in Fatal Crash at 9400 Eastex Freeway
September 23, 2015 - Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 9400 Eastex Freeway (North U. S. Highway 59) about 10 p.m. on Monday (September 21).
The suspect, Meregildo Portales (H/m, 57), is charged with murder in the 351st State District Court. A photo of Portales is attached to this news release.
The male victim, a pedestrian, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant J. Rossman and Officer M. Reyes reported:
A silver Mazda B3000 was disabled in the area between the entrance ramp and the main lanes of the freeway. Portales was driving a tan Ford F-150 pickup truck southbound on the entrance ramp to the Eastex Freeway when he crossed the median and struck the Mazda, as well as the victim, who was standing outside the vehicle. The victim died at the scene. The driver of the Mazda, who was inside the vehicle at the time of the accident, was transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Portales was detained at the scene. He was determined to be intoxicated and was subsequently taken to jail.
Meregildo Portales
UPDATE: KJS/JFC 9-23-15
VHS/JFC 9-22-15
Inc. #122671915-C
For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.
