Suspect In Fatal DWI Released On $30K Bond

HOUSTON, TX — A 19-year-old man charged with intoxication manslaughter in the crash that killed a 23-year-old mother was released on $30,000 bond. Erick Hernandez was arrested Sunday night after crashing his pickup head-on into an SUV driven Taylor Phillips, and was released from the Harris County Jail on Tuesday.

Investigators said Hernandez was driving on the wrong side of the road when he plowed into the front of Phillips' SUV in the 1500 block of College Avenue.

Hernandez, who was pinned inside his pickup after the crash, allegedly told investigators he'd have a few beers before getting behind the wheel

Officials said Hernandez spent several hours drinking at Frontiera Events Venue before leaving the bar shortly before the crash.

Phillips' 1-year-old son and 48-year-old mother were in the SUV with her, and were taken to an area hospital after the crash in serious condition, and have since been released.

The Harris County District Attorney is investigating the bar where Hernandez was served and could file additional charges.

In April, Harris County DA Kim Ogg filed criminal charges against three Houston area bartenders who served two underage girls, who were involved in a fatal DWI crash after leaving their bar.

Those cases are all pending.

RELATED: 3 Accused Of Serving Alcohol To Minors Before Crash Are Charged

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