Wrong-Way Driver Charged in Fatal Crash on North Freeway

A woman has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a fatal crash on North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) early Thursday morning.

The suspect, Monica Rosenda Valdez, 32, was driving a black Ford F-150 pickup truck northbound in the southbound lanes near the 4400 block of North Freeway at approximately 3:15 a.m. when she collided with a gray Jeep Cherokee and a white Toyota Camry.

Houston Fire Department paramedics responded and pronounced the driver of the Jeep, 56-year-old Steve Nartey, deceased at the scene. The driver of the Toyota was treated by paramedics on-site.

Valdez was transported to an area hospital for treatment, where she was determined to be intoxicated. She has been charged with intoxication manslaughter in the 497th State District Court. Once released from the hospital, she will be taken to the Harris County Joint Processing Center.