BAYTOWN, Texas – A man is facing charges after causing a single-vehicle crash while intoxicated, killing a 3-year-old toddler in Baytown on Sunday.
Ricardo Rodriguez, 40, is charged with murder. His bond was set to $50,000.
During probable cause court on Monday, officials said Rodriguez “admitted to drinking several alcoholic beverages” prior to the deadly crash.
Bond conditions for Rodriguez include not operating a motor vehicle, remain within Harris County, and cannot consume any alcohol.
What happened?
Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to reports of a major crash in the 4200 block W. Cedar Bayou Lynchburg Road.
When units arrived at the scene, they located a GMC Yukon SUV that struck a utility pole. Both the child and the man were ejected from the vehicle, HCSO said.
It is not ok to let your toddler or small child ride in a vehicle using just a seat belt. The risk of serious injury or death increases significantly when a child is not secured in a proper car seat or restraint. https://t.co/rret9rV9cH
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) July 2, 2023
According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, the 3-year-old child was pronounced dead at the scene.
Rodriguez did not sustain any injuries and was taken into custody.
While a seat belt restrained the child, Gonzalez said it wasn’t the “proper restraint” and the toddler should have been in a car seat.
According to court documents, Rodriguez was previously jailed in 2020 for violating a protective order and a prior DWI. He was also charged previously with assault of a family member.
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