DWI crackdown in Houston area leads to 192 arrests in one weekend

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Law enforcement agencies around the Houston area say their crackdown on drinking and driving during the July 4th weekend has resulted in the arrest of nearly 200 people.

Officers from Baytown, Pasadena, La Porte, Jersey Village, Tomball, Galena Park, Bellaire, and Jacinto City police departments, and all eight Constable Precinct Offices all participated in the crackdown, and 192 DWI suspects were pulled off roadways.

Authorities also suspect alcohol may have been a factor in three deadly accidents.

Shortly after midnight Friday, deputies responded to a major car accident in the 10900 block of West Compaq Center Drive. A man driving a blue 2008 Chevrolet Avalanche lost control of the vehicle and struck a tree. The vehicle rolled over and caught fire, killing him.

By 10pm, authorities were investigating their second possible DWI wreck. Authorities say a driver, now identified as Omar Lopez, was behind the wheel of a 1995 Lincoln Town Car when he lost control of the car in the 2200 block of Sheldon Road and hit a utility pole. Lopez was ejected from the car and died at the scene.

Not long after, authorities were dispatched to another major accident in the 29000 block of FM 2920. Detectives say a man walking along the roadway was hit by a blue 2002 Chevrolet Silverado traveling eastbound. The truck's driver was attempting to pass a vehicle when he fatally hit the pedestrian.

Toxicology results are pending in all three of these accidents.