Suspected drunk driver who hit police officer goes to court

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – The suspected drunk driver who allegedly hit a traffic patrol trooper while he was conducting a separate traffic stop early Friday morning appeared in court Saturday afternoon on probable cause charges.

“The suspect fled the scene after attacking the officer, then continued his escape on foot and was apprehended by Harris County Sheriff's Office deputies a short distance from the scene,” said DPS Lt. Craig Cummings on Jose Rico.

The hit-and-run occurred just before 2:30 a.m. southbound near Upland Willow Avenue, prompting Highway 249 to be closed in both directions.

On Saturday evening, the Texas Department of Public Safety said the soldier's condition was serious but stable.

In PC Court on Saturday, a judge provided more details about Rico's alleged conditions upon his arrest.

“Heavy alcohol on breath. Bloodshot, glassy eyes. He admitted to drinking beer. “14 out of 18 references to field sobriety tests,” the judge said.

The judge also listed the charges Rico now faces.

“Drunken Assault, a felony of the second degree. Failure to stop and render aid following an accident involving serious bodily injury, which is a felony of the third degree,” it said. “You have also been charged with evading arrest or detention, which is a Class A misdemeanor.”

Bail was set at $50,000 for the drunken driving charge and bail was set at $30,000 for failure to stop and render aid.

In court, the judge said the soldier was suffering from a cerebral hemorrhage and broken ribs.