Report: Deputy Drunk When Killed In Collision
By Elizabeth Scarborough
Slideshow: Remembering Deputy Craig Miller
Miller, 43, was with the Harris County Sheriff's Office for 20 years.A crumpled metal heap was all that was left of his county vehicle after the fatal collision on the Katy Freeway Feb. 21.A toxicology report released Thursday showed his blood-alcohol level was .27, more than three times the legal limit."We hate that one of our officers reported to duty in this situation, but it's not as embarrassing as it is tragic," Chief Deputy Danny Billingsley said.In a statement, the family asked for "kind thoughts and prayers.""Craig's accident and the on-going investigation have raised many questions and inconsistencies," the statement read.They family said they dispute the finding.Billingsley said Miller was called to duty unexpectedly, and it was his responsibility to tell his supervisor if he was not able to work. There would have been no penalty."We depend on our deputies to let us know when they can't report to work," said Billingsley.Miller was allegedly going to work surveillance when he collided with a white box truck.Miller was not wearing a seat belt."Right now we have no evidence alcohol played a role in the crash," said Billingsley.Miller had no criminal history and had never been in trouble with the department.The driver of the box truck, 56-year-old Jose Vieyra, was arrested and charged with criminally negligent homicide because investigators said he failed to yield to oncoming traffic.The prosecutor working the case said he would reconsider the charges.Miller was in a leased car. When the county tried to retrieve black box information from Toyota, they said it was unavailable."The day after Toyota said that, I withdrew all Toyotas from the lease fleet," said Billingsley.Billingsley said the department is not planning on making any other changes.There is a question about the benefits Miller's family will receive. The family already received an initial $10,000 from the 100 Club and will have access to his retirement from the county, but the rest could be in jeopardy.
- February 22, 2008: Driver Charged In Collision That Killed Deputy
Copyright 2008 by Click2Houston.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.






A 40-year-old man is shot as he exited his vehicle in the Wal-Mart parking lot in Northeast Harris County, Local 2 reports.
A guard is shot during an armored truck robbery at a check-cashing store in Southwest Houston, KPRC Local 2 reports.
Dozens of purebred dogs will soon be up for adoption after they were removed from a Waller County home.
A teenage daughter of a woman accused of trying to hire a hit man to kill her husband has been charged in connection with the crime, KPRC Local 2 reports.
A high school student is killed and his vehicle is stolen outside a southeast Houston apartment, KPRC Local 2 reports.
Friday Football Frenzy: November 20, 2009
November 21, 2009: The Rockets beat the Kings 113-106 at Toyota Center Saturday night.
Nov. 20, 2009: The Army may stop building trucks in Sealy, which could have an economic fallout in Houston. Phil Archer reports.
Nov. 21, 2009: A guard is shot during an armored truck robbery at a check cashing store in Southwest Houston. Carl Willis reports.
Thanksgiving celebrates -- among other things -- an abundant harvest. Find out just how bountiful the calories in your holiday meal can be.
KPRC Local 2 hosted the grand opening at the Festival of Lights at Moody Gardens. Viewers lined up to take pictures with KPRC Local 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley and traffic reporter Jennifer Reyna.
The British Toy Retailers Association announces its annual list of 12 toys priced under 50 pounds (about $83) that are likely to sell well this holiday season.


















