19-Year-Old Arrested After Fatal Crash That Killed Infant in Alief

A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged following a fatal crash that killed an infant in the 7600 block of Cook Road around 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11.

The suspect, identified as Isiah Martinez, is charged with failure to stop and render aid in the 351st State District Court and driving while intoxicated in Harris County Criminal Court #14. His booking photo was released by authorities. The identity of the deceased victim, an 11-month-old male, is pending official verification by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.

According to Houston Police Department Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant E. Fendia and D. Nguyen, a gray Acura TL driven by Martinez was traveling southbound at high speed on Cook Road. At the intersection of Corona Lane, a gray Nissan Maxima, driven by the child’s 27-year-old mother, entered the intersection from a stop sign and was struck by the Acura. The impact ejected the infant, who was seated in a car seat in the back passenger seat of the Nissan. Paramedics pronounced the child dead at the scene. The mother sustained minor injuries.

Following the crash, Martinez and his 26-year-old male passenger fled the scene on foot. Officers located the passenger nearby and were able to persuade Martinez to return to the crash site. Martinez was determined to be impaired and was taken into custody.

The investigation remains ongoing.