March 15, 2022 - Houston police have arrested a suspect charged in the fatal crash that occurred at 4000 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) about 2:25 a.m. on Monday (March 14).  

The suspect, Jose Manuel Fernandez Ortiz, 28, is charged with driving while intoxicated (2nd offense) in Harris County Criminal Court #7.  A booking photo of Fernandez Ortiz is attached to this news release.

The identity of the deceased male, 29, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant D. Rose and Officer J. Roberson reported:

The victim was driving a silver Toyota Corolla northbound in the southbound lanes of the freeway at the above address and struck a black Nissan Altima.  Both vehicles were disabled and the Corolla came to a stop nearby.  The victim exited the Toyota and was standing on the main lanes of the freeway when a black Buick Regal struck the Toyota and then the victim.  Paramedics pronounced the victim deceased at the scene.  

According to witnesses, the Buick's driver (Fernandez Ortiz) was traveling at a high rate of speed.  Paramedics transported Fernandez to an area hospital where he showed signs of intoxication and was subsequently charged.



Jose Manuel Fernandez Ortiz



JKS/JFC   3-15-22
Inc #033403522-J