Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash at 100 North Freeway

Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 100 North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) about 12:15 p.m. on Saturday (August 24).

The suspect, Lawrence W. Franklin (b/m, 41), is charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 248th State District Court.  A booking photo of Franklin is attached to this news release.

The identity of the female victim, 52, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant S. Maness and Officer D. Nguyen reported:

Franklin was driving a gray BMW 740 westbound on the 610 North Loop and exited to the entrance ramp to the North Freeway when he struck a blue Jeep Cherokee disabled on the shoulder of the entrance ramp.  The BMW failed to stay in a single lane and struck three of five pedestrians standing in a grassy area away from the disabled vehicle.

The female victim was transported to Ben Taub General Hospital where she was pronounced deceased.  One male victim, 16, and another female 3, were transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Lawrence, who remained at the scene, was determined to be impaired and was subsequently taken into custody and charged for his role in the crash.


Lawrence W. Franklin

VHS/JFC  8-26-19
Inc. #109723919-G

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