Former U.S. Attorney Involved in Hit-and-Run Incident

A former U.S. attorney is facing charges after reportedly leaving the scene of a car crash in Houston.

Jennifer Lowery, who served as the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Texas, was charged with felony failure to stop and assist after the incident on May 14.

The driver of the Nissan Altima, a man named Gabriel Fonseca, told police he was traveling east on Memorial Drive when another vehicle struck him on the driver’s side after entering the median, as reported by Fox Houston.

After the collision, Fonseca moved his vehicle to a safe spot; however, the other driver, later identified as Lowery, fled the scene. He mentioned experiencing a “ringing” in his ears following the impact, according to court records.

“At the last moment, I couldn’t change direction, so I just honked my horn. I was hit on the driver’s side,” Fonseca recounted. “Then, I heard a loud ringing in my ears, and there was dust everywhere.”

His car’s airbags deployed, and he felt disoriented while trying to contact emergency services after the crash.

“I remember pulling into the nearest parking lot and somehow calling 911. The car door wouldn’t open, so I crawled out,” he stated.

Fonseca reported that repairing or replacing his vehicle would cost about $35,000 and expressed his desire to press charges.

“She didn’t even check to see if I was dead,” he said. “Driving away after hitting someone is a selfish and despicable act.”

A witness who was walking his dog nearby witnessed Lowery driving the damaged car and saw her park it several blocks away. They described the driver as a “white, blonde female” in her 30s or 40s.

The witness noted that the vehicle showed “significant damage to the front end” and was leaking fluids.

When police located the parked vehicle, it was discovered in a driveway with considerable front-end damage and the bumper missing. The license plate matched Lowery’s registration.

As officers documented the damage, Lowery’s husband emerged from a nearby residence, identified himself as an attorney, and acknowledged his wife’s involvement in the accident.

He assured police he would provide all necessary information but reportedly did not acknowledge Lowery’s statements.

Lowery was appointed as U.S. Attorney by a district judge in April 2022, having served as interim and acting attorney since February 2021. She remained in the position until a successor took over in December 2022.

“It’s really ironic,” Fonseca commented. “Her career is about holding people accountable.”