Suspect Arrested, Charged in Fatal Crash at 16700 Gulf Freeway

Houston police have arrested a male charged in the fatal crash that occurred at 16700 Gulf Freeway (South Interstate Highway 45) about 6:40 p.m. on Thursday (April 16).
The suspect, Daniel Ruiz, 60, is charged with manslaughter in the 487th Criminal District Court. A booking photo of Ruiz is attached to this news release.
The identity of the deceased female, 5, is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences.
HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant F. Briones and Officer K. Stout reported:
A marked tow truck driver was traveling southbound on the Gulf Freeway service road when he activated his emergency lights in order to assist a stalled vehicle.  A green Toyota 4Runner was also traveling southbound on the service road when the driver failed to maintain his speed and struck the rear of the tow truck.  The passenger in the 4Runner, sitting in the front seat of the vehicle, sustained serious and was transported to an area hospital where she was pronounced dead.
The investigation is continuing.

Daniel Ruiz
JKS/ECR    4-20-26
Inc. #48990226-K