An adult woman was arrested late Thursday in Tomball after deputies say she fled the scene of a crash with an 8-month-old child still in the vehicle, then got caught showing clear signs of intoxication.
The wreck happened in the 19000 block of Hufsmith Kohrville Road, where responding Harris County Constable Precinct 4 deputies began searching for the vehicle that allegedly left the scene. According to a post from Harris County Constable Precinct 4, deputies located the suspect car in the same 19000 block and detained an adult female driver who they say "displayed multiple signs of intoxication."
Precinct 4 reported that the woman was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated with a child passenger and of failing to stop and give information. The crash scene and arrest remained under investigation into the early hours of Friday, and the constable's office said additional details will be released in a formal media statement.
Legal implications
Under Texas law, driving while intoxicated with a passenger younger than 15 is charged as a separate offense and is classified as a state-jail felony, according to the Texas Penal Code. Prosecutors could also consider more serious charges, such as intoxication assault or intoxication manslaughter, if authorities determine the crash caused serious bodily injury. Those enhanced offenses can significantly increase the potential penalties a defendant faces.
Investigation and next steps
The precinct's Facebook post stated that a formal media release with additional information will follow as the investigation moves forward. The update did not provide any information on the child's condition or indicate whether charges have been formally filed with a court.
About Precinct 4
Harris County Constable Precinct 4 patrols parts of north Harris County, including Tomball and Magnolia, and is led by Constable Mark Herman, according to the department's website. The office lists its non-emergency dispatch number as 281-376-3472 for tips or general inquiries.
