Charges have been filed against a suspect arrested in a fatal crash at 1100 South Loop West (South Interstate Highway 610 West) about 7:20 p.m. on Tuesday (Sept. 3).
The suspect, John Richard Vasquez (H/m, 60), is charged with murder in the 208th State District Court. A current booking photo of Vasquez, who is hospitalized, is not available at this time. A 2014 booking photo of Vasquez is attached to this news release.
The identity of the male victim, 55, is pending verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant P. Lee and Officer S. Le reported:
The victim was changing a tire on his vehicle in the split area between the South Loop West and the entrance ramp to State Highway 288. Vasquez, driving a red Ford F-150 pickup truck, was possibly traveling eastbound on the South Loop when he failed to maintain a single lane and struck the victim’s disabled vehicle, a gold Ford Taurus. The victim was standing outside his vehicle and was also struck. Paramedics transported both men to Ben Taub General Hospital where the victim was pronounced deceased. Vasquez was evaluated at the hospital and determined to be intoxicated.
Investigators learned Vasquez had three prior driving while intoxicated convictions. He was subsequently charged in this crash.
John Richard Vasquez
JFC/KJS 9-4-19
Inc #114799019-F