HOUSTON, TX (05/21/2016) — Hilda Avila, Emilio Avila, and Mauricio Ramires were all killed in a drunk driving-related accident on Saturday.
Houston police identified 42-year-old Hilda Avila, 34-year-old Emilio Avila, and their 18-year-old son Mauricio Ramires, as the victims of a fatal drunk driving crash that occurred at the intersection of FM 2920 and Kuykendahl Road in Houston, Texas.
According to Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman, at around 12:30 a.m., 25-year-old Jeremy Valdez ran a red light and collided with a black Honda, occupied by the Avila family. The Avilas were reportedly returning home from church service at the time.
Valdez attempted to flee the scene, but was caught by a wrecker driver named Lenniere Victorian.
“I stopped right here and as soon as I get out, the other guy said the guy was running toward that-a-way which is toward the woods and me and another driver start chasing him around,” Victorian says. “Finally we catch him on the back end and hold him down until the police got here.”
Police arrested Valdez and are conducting tests to confirm if he was intoxicated at the time of the accident.
“Deputies could smell a strong odor of alcohol about his person and other tests were administered, in which Valdez failed,” the constable’s office said.
An investigation for this wreck is currently underway.
Commentary
Police revealed that this driver has additional DWI charges from previous incidents. This time he might face up to three counts of intoxication manslaughter, along with fines, license suspension and potential civil lawsuits from the victims’ family. We extend our condolences to those affected by this accident, and will provide more information as it becomes available.
