Two Harris County Sheriff’s Office deputies were injured early Monday morning when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the back of their patrol vehicle while they were investigating a fatal pedestrian crash on the North Freeway in Houston.
Authorities say the incident occurred around 1:15 a.m. in the 16500 block of the southbound lanes. Deputies Orrson and Soliz were inside their patrol unit with emergency rear lights activated when a Honda Odyssey minivan allegedly struck them from behind without braking. The impact caused both vehicles to rotate, and all three men were transported to the hospital. The deputies were later released. King has been charged with driving while intoxicated.
When I see a report of an alleged drunk driver crashing, I immediately start thinking about where that person had been drinking and whether a business served them. In my experience, these are the types of questions that only come into focus through a thorough investigation—not just of the crash, but of what happened in the hours leading up to it.
Could a Business Be Liable Under Texas Dram Shop Law?
Under Texas law, a bar or alcohol provider can be held accountable if they serve alcohol to someone who is obviously intoxicated and that person goes on to cause harm. The key question in cases like this is whether the driver had been drinking at a licensed business before the crash—and if so, whether that business continued to serve him when they should have stopped.
This isn’t about making assumptions. It’s about establishing facts: where the drinking took place, how impaired the individual was, and whether someone else played a role in enabling a dangerous situation.
What Evidence Should Be Collected?
To find out whether dram shop liability may apply, investigators will need to go beyond the scene of the crash. They’ll need to establish a timeline of the driver’s whereabouts leading up to the collision. That includes determining whether he had recently been at a bar, restaurant, or other venue that served alcohol, and whether anyone observed signs of obvious intoxication.
Receipts, surveillance footage, and witness statements can help confirm where the alcohol was served and how the driver behaved. Toxicology reports may also shed light on how much alcohol was in his system and whether the level suggests a business should have noticed and taken action.
Why a Full Investigation Is Crucial
When law enforcement officers are struck by an alleged drunk driver—especially while performing their duties on the side of the road—there are serious questions that need to be answered. From my experience, that means looking not just at the crash itself, but at what enabled it. That is the best way to get answers for those affected by the incident.