HOUSTON – A mother died Tuesday morning after police say she was hit by a possible drunk driver who ran a red light in west Houston.
The crash happened just after 1 a.m. at Clay Road and the West Sam Houston Tollway.
According to investigators, the woman was heading east on Clay Road and had a green light when a pickup truck coming off the Sam Houston Tollway allegedly ran a red light and slammed into her small sedan.
Police say the impact was so strong that it pushed the woman’s car across the intersection and up onto a curb.
Inside the backseat was her young child, believed to be between the ages of 1 and 3 years old. Officers said the toddler was properly secured in a car seat that was tethered in three different places.
The child was taken to the hospital and does not appear to be seriously injured.
Investigators say the driver of the pickup truck initially tried to leave the scene but was located about 100 yards away after his truck became disabled.
A Drug Recognition Expert evaluated the driver at the scene, and police believe he was intoxicated at the time of the crash. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office is now seeking a blood warrant.
That driver is expected to face an intoxication manslaughter charge.
Authorities are still working to confirm the identities of those involved and were clearing the scene early this morning as commuters began traveling through the area.