Lubbock doctor charged with teen’s death in fatal car accident

A University Medical Center surgical resident has been arrested for a North Lubbock drunk-driving accident that caused the death of one teenager and seriously injured another. Investigators say speeding was also part of the reason the resident’s vehicle crashed down an embankment on North Loop 289.

Texas Department of Public Safety officers obtained a warrant and arrested the surgical resident at his mother’s home. Lubbock police confirmed that, at the time of the fatal car accident, the doctor had been driving with a blood alcohol content of 0.14. The legal BAC limit in Texas is 0.08.

Authorities believe the surgical resident met the two teenage females for the first time the night of the accident. Police say the surgical resident and the two women allegedly visited several bars in the Depot Entertainment District. Accident reports say the 18-year-old woman who survived the accident was intoxicated. A BAC test of the deceased 19-year-old is pending.

Police say the doctor lost control of his vehicle on an overpass near Quaker Avenue on North Loop 289. The car hit a guardrail and flipped over and down an embankment. Both female passengers were ejected.

The 19-year-old passenger was killed instantly. The 18-year-old passenger sustained serious injuries. The surgical resident was hospitalized, but later checked himself out against the advice of medical professionals.

The resident has been formally charged with intoxication manslaughter and assault. Bail was set at $80,000. At last report, the doctor remained in the Webb County Detention Center.

Lubbock police have not disclosed whether any Depot Entertainment District bars may be subject to dram shop liability in connection with the fatal drunk-driving accident.

Source: LubbockOnline, “Lubbock physician arrested in connection with teen’s death in crash,” Robin Pyle, Aug. 31, 2011