On October 18, 2024 at approximately 1:50 AM, Precinct 8 Deputy Atluri with Constable Phil Sandlin’s Office responded to reports of a wrong way driver. The vehicle was described as a silver SUV traveling northbound in the southbound lanes on the E Sam Houston Twy S near Spencer Hwy.
Deputy Atluri located the vehicle traveling directly towards him on the Ship Channel Bridge. The vehicle passed him and nearly struck a tow truck and a commercial motor vehicle. The vehicle ultimately corrected its path and Deputies were able to initiate a stop on the vehicle near Jacintoport Blvd. Upon contact with the driver, Deputy Atluri observed multiple signs of intoxication. The driver did not have any form of identification and was later identified as 24 year old Juan Pablo Mendoza Perez. While Deputy Atluri conducted the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests, Mendoza became hostile and uncooperative. Upon further investigation, Deputy Atluri determined Mendoza was unable to operate a motor vehicle and placed him in custody.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted charges for Driving While Intoxicated. Mendoza was transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center where his bond was set at $100. Mendoza was later released on a General Order Bond.