Jailer Killed By Alleged Drunk Driver

HOUSTON - Sheriff Deputies say the driver who struck and killed a Harris County detention officer had a blood alcohol content that was nearly twice the legal limit.

Around 6:30 a.m. Saturday, officials said Detention Officer Gregory Hundl had just finished working the night shift at 701 San Jacinto and was headed home on his motorcycle on the service road of Highway 59 and Aldine Bender when he stopped at a light.

Deputies say Hundl was thrown 80-100 feet off of his motorcycle after being struck from behind by a vehicle being driven by 19-year old Michele Arnold.

Hundl was transported by ambulance to LBJ Hospital where he died.

Arnold was taken to the hospital for a mandatory blood draw. She was later transported to an Harris County Sheriff's Office substation where a breathalyzer test determined she had a blood alcohol content of 0.147. She was charged with intoxication manslaughter.

Detention Officer Gregory Hundl, 25, had been with the Harris County Sheriff's Office since 2008. He worked at 701 San Jacinto as a jailer.

Robert Kelshaw, public information officer for the Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department, said that Hundl was a junior firefighter back in 2002, but left to join the Navy. He returned in 2007 and had been working as a volunteer firefighter up until Saturday's accident.

Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia released a statement saying in part, "No matter what the timing, this is a sad day for the Harris County Sheriff's Office and a tragic day for our entire community. But it's even more tragic considering that just a few days ago, law enforcement agencies and private industry joined me in announcing a new initiative against drunken driving, in which we ask the public to join with us in reducing this deadly scourge that unfortunately has made Harris County notorious. In the memory of Detention Officer Gregory Hundl, I urge everyone to prevent intoxicated individuals from getting behind the wheel of a vehicle."