Alleged drunk driver runs red light, causes fatal Midtown crash that kills two
HOUSTON, TX, (August 02, 2025) - A 21-year-old man is facing serious charges after allegedly driving under the influence and causing a deadly crash that killed two people early Saturday morning in Midtown, according to the Houston Police Department.
Rene Hernandez, 21, was arrested after a deadly crash early Saturday morning in Midtown that left two people dead, police said.
The suspect, identified as Rene Hernandez, was reportedly driving a black Ford F-150 that had already struck two vehicles near the Wells Fargo parking lot in the 2700 block of Smith Street. Authorities said a Precinct 7 deputy began pursuing Hernandez after he was seen running multiple red lights.
During the pursuit, Hernandez allegedly ran another red light at Smith Street and Elgin, where he T-boned a white Lexus. The impact caused the Lexus to spin, strike a building, and catch fire.
Tragically, two people inside the Lexus were pronounced dead at the scene.
Hernandez displayed signs of intoxication and was arrested at the scene. The crash remains under investigation.
CRASH INVESTIGATION NEEDED
Drunk driving continues to claim lives on U.S. roads, despite widespread awareness campaigns, tough laws and devastating statistics. The tragedy is that these deaths are entirely preventable. One person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 42 minutes in the United States in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association.
An independent investigation will be required to learn other potential factors in the case, including the results of a test or tests to determine the blood-alcohol content levels of the driver.
“Drunken and drugged drivers are subject to criminal charges following an accident or collision that causes harm or kills another person,” explained Candice Bond, a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Separate from criminal charges, the family of a victim may be entitled to compensation through a civil lawsuit against the responsible party,” said Bond.
“Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that drunk drivers are held accountable for their reckless actions,” added Bond, an experienced DUI accident attorney.
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the results of the investigation, the families of the victims killed in the crash may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim. Such claims can seek compensation for funeral and medical expenses, loss of love and companionship, emotional distress, and pain and suffering.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, explained that a wrongful death occurs when a person or entity's negligent or reckless actions result in someone’s death.
“When fatal crashes are caused by dangerous behaviors such as impaired, distracted, or aggressive driving—or speeding—families are often left with the legal right to pursue civil action against the at-fault driver,” Bond said.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a drunk driver, national legal analyst Candice Bond offers free consultations to guide you.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).