SOUTH HOUSTON, Texas – A teenager is facing charges after authorities said he was driving drunk and caused a crash that killed a mother and injured her child and the child's grandmother.
Police said the crash was reported about 2 a.m. at College Avenue and Easthaven Boulevard.
Police said Taylor Phillips was driving with her 1-year-old and the child’s 48-year-old grandmother when their SUV was hit by a truck that was being driven by Erick Hernandez.
Police said they believe Hernandez was intoxicated. He is charged with intoxication manslaughter. According to officials, Hernandez posted bond Monday afternoon.
Police said Hernandez spent more than $100 on drinks at Frontiera Events Venue before the crash. The venue is about a mile away from the crash scene. Authorities said he was there for several hours.
"We are pulling video. Pulling receipts. Pulling all of the evidence that we need to determine how much he had to drink and whether he was overserved," Assistant District Attorney Sean Teare said. "He’s 19 years old and really shouldn’t have been in the establishment in the first place.
According to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, there are two active investigations at the venue.
Phillips' child and the child’s grandmother were taken to a hospital, where they were listed in stable condition.
Surveillance video obtained by KPRC2Â shows the moments leading up to the crash.
In the video, several cars can be seen dodging the truck as it went speeding down College Avenue. Hernandez was westbound in the truck and crossed several lanes before striking the family's SUV.
Hernandez's condition is not known.
