Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash that occurred at 11401 South Post Oak about 1:50 p.m. on April 2.

The suspect, Tarus M. Lawson (b/m, 42), is charged with manslaughter and aggravated assault-serious bodily injury in the 339th State District Court for his role in the death of Juan Ortiz-Hernandez, 58, and an injury to a female passenger.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant M. Warhol and Officer N. Luu reported:

Lawson was driving a silver Cadillac DeVille southbound at the above address when he failed to control his speed and struck the rear of a silver GMC pickup truck driven by Mr. Ortiz-Hernandez.  The truck then struck several other vehicles.  Two drivers (Lawson and Ortiz-Hernandez) and a female passenger, 66, in the GMC were transported to an area hospital.  Ortiz-Hernandez was later pronounced dead.  Lawson was treated and released for minor injuries.

There were no charges filed at the time of the crash and the investigation was continuing.

Further investigation led to two felony charges being filed against Lawson and he was taken into custody without incident on Monday (April 16).