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Suspected drunk driver arrested, charged with murder after crash in NE Harris County

FILE photo HCSO Patrol Car at night (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

HARRIS COUNTY – A man has died and a driver has been arrested following a crash Monday night in northeast Harris County near Channelview.

SEE ALSO: Houston PD criminal intelligence analyst arrested by Harris County deputies for drunk driving

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The incident happened in the 9200 block of Sheldon Road and Crosby Freeway. According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division, the driver, identified as Joaquin Compean-Juarez, 49, was traveling westbound in his Ford F-150 in the main lanes of Crosby Freeway when he lost control of his truck. Investigators say this is when Compean-Juarez drove off the road, through the grass embankment, and onto the northbound lanes of Sheldon Road.

At the same time, a Ford Fiesta was approaching the intersection when the car was struck by Compean-Juarez’s truck. HCSO reports the driver of the Ford Fiesta, identified as 21-year-old Sebastian Benitez-Mendoza, was not wearing a seatbelt and was thrown from his car upon impact. Benitez-Mendoza was rushed to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

According to investigators, Compean-Juarez showed clear signs of intoxication at the scene and was taken into custody. Compean-Juaraz has been charged with Felony Murder.

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Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez says this is not Compean-Juarez’s first offense; records show he has two prior convictions for driving while intoxicated.

The investigation remains ongoing.


About the Author
Kait Catuiza headshot

Born and raised Houstonian, proud UNT alum, avid traveler and lover of all things pink 🩷

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