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The Vidor Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a May 2024 fatal accident which claimed the life of one woman.

On Friday, officers located and arrested the driver of the vehicle involved in the death of Samantha Lee Townsend nearly three months ago.

Shawn Anthony Howard, a 48-year old Pine Forest man, was arrested at his residence on one manslaughter charge — a second degree felony which carries $500,000 bond. Howard was taken to the Orange County Jail.

The incident which led to the manslaughter charge took place May 26, 2024, when Vidor PD responded to a call regarding a reckless driver traveling Northbound in the 1400 block of North Main. The caller said a maroon Yukon had struck another vehicle head-on.

When officers arrived, they found both drivers unconscious. First responders discovered Townsend was not breathing and removed her from her car to administer life-saving efforts. However, efforts were unsuccessful and Townsend was declared dead at the scene.

Howard was taken to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital at the time for injuries sustained in the accident. A toddler, who was in a safety seat inside Townsend’s vehicle, was also taken to Christus for non-life-threatening injuries.

A further investigation showed Howard was traveling at an excessive rate of speed in the Yukon when he crossed into the Southbound lane and struck Townsend’s vehicle.