Four Fatal Crashes Under Investigation Across Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Investigators with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division are examining four separate fatal crashes that occurred between June 20 and June 23, resulting in the deaths of four individuals.

Driver Dies After Crashing Into Apartment Complex Fence

The first crash occurred on June 20 at approximately 5:26 p.m. in the 13000 block of Forestwood Drive.

According to investigators, Pedro Mendoza was driving a Honda Pilot when he failed to stop at the intersection of Forestwood Drive and Woodforest Boulevard. The vehicle continued through the intersection, struck a curb, and entered the grounds of the City Crossing Apartments at 12800 Woodforest Boulevard.

Authorities said the SUV crashed through a metal fence before striking a tree and coming to rest.

Mendoza was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. Investigators believe a medical emergency may have contributed to the crash.

Motorcyclist Killed in Collision on State Highway 249

On June 21, deputies with the Harris County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office responded to a major crash involving a motorcycle in the 2400 block of State Highway 249.

Investigators identified the motorcyclist as Reinier Sanchez-Carmenates, who suffered life-threatening injuries in the collision. Emergency responders determined he had died at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate Sanchez-Carmenates was operating the motorcycle recklessly and ran a red light shortly before the crash.

Authorities said the motorcycle struck an SUV that was turning into a parking lot. The SUV driver remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and showed no signs of intoxication.

Motorcyclist Dies After Rear-Ending SUV on Mason Road

A third fatal crash occurred early June 22 in the 2700 block of Mason Road.

According to investigators, Jason Wozniak was riding a 2009 Suzuki GSX750 motorcycle southbound when he failed to control his speed and struck the rear of a 2022 Honda Pilot driven by Linda Lee.

The impact threw Wozniak from the motorcycle.

Emergency responders found Wozniak at the scene with no signs of life. He was pronounced dead at approximately 5:43 a.m.

Lee remained at the scene, cooperated with investigators, and showed no signs of intoxication.

Pickup Driver Killed After Striking Disabled Tractor-Trailer

The fourth fatal crash occurred on June 23 at approximately 4:59 a.m. in the 19000 block of the North Freeway.

Investigators said Rubi Hernandez was operating a 2017 Freightliner tractor-trailer when mechanical issues involving the air brakes caused the vehicle to become disabled in the northbound High Occupancy Vehicle lane.

Authorities reported that the truck’s emergency flashers were activated and two warning triangles had been placed behind the disabled vehicle.

Hector Bazan was driving a 2024 Ford Ranger northbound in the HOV lane when he failed to control his speed and struck the rear of the trailer.

Bazan suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said Hernandez cooperated fully with authorities and showed no signs of intoxication.

All four crashes remain under active investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division.