On June 22, 2024 at approximately 10:59 PM, Precinct 8 Deputy Atluri with Constable Phil Sandlin’s was traveling westbound in the 10500 block of the S Sam Houston Pkwy E when he observed a white Chevrolet Camaro approaching behind him at a high rate of speed. The vehicle passed Deputy Atluri and proceeded to drive recklessly, making several unsafe lane changes and ultimately sideswiping another vehicle. The suspect vehicle failed to stop and accelerated to a higher rate of speed. Deputy Atluri caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop in the 9500 block of the S Sam Houston Pkwy. Upon making contact with the driver, Deputy Atluri observed a small child passenger in the backseat. The driver, identified as 30 year old Joe Angel Lopez, displayed multiple signs of intoxication. Deputy Atluri proceeded to administer the Standardized Field Sobriety Test and determined Lopez was unable to operate a vehicle safely.
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office was contacted and accepted charges for felony Driving While Intoxicated with Child Under 15 Years of Age and Fail to Stop and Give Information. Lopez was transported to the Harris County Joint Processing Center where his bonds was set at $2,600 total.
