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Undocumented man killed in DWI wreck, driver in custody
Posted: 07.07.2012 at 11:20 AM
Updated: 07.07.2012 at 12:40 PM
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Edinburg Police identified the man killed in a drunk driving collision on Friday night as an undocumented immigrant from Veracruz.

According to initial police reports, two men were riding a purple Ford Escort westbound on Montecristo Road, when they ran a red light at the intersection with Doolittle.

At that same time, a gray Ford Minivan traveling eastbound on Montecristo Road was making a protected left hard turn onto Doolittle.

The Escort rammed the Minivan head on at about 8:53 p.m., killing the passenger of the Escort, Francisco Fernandez Gutierrez, 29, on the spot.

Emergency crews had to extricate the driver from the wreckage and rushed him to the hospital with several fractures and internal injuries.

They also transported the driver and passengers on board the Ford Minivan; a 40-year-old woman and her three children ages 10, 7 and 4.

Police said the mother and the children were not injured because they were all wearing their seatbelts.

They were transported for observation and released from the hospital later.

Passenger Killed

Investigators determined Francisco Fernandez Gutierrez was not wearing his seat belt during the crash.

Though he was not ejected, he was killed on impact.

First responders were unable to find any form of identification on him, but investigators were able to contact his family members in Veracruz.

Lt. Oscar Treviño said Fernandez had apparently crossed illegally into the United States several months ago.

In that time, he had worked temporary labor jobs.

Driver in custody

The 29-year-old man driving the Ford Escort will remain hospitalized, but is now in police custody.

Witnesses in the area reported seeing him driving “erratically” and in a “dangerous” fashion.

Lt. Treviño said investigators determined the Edinburg man was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

He will be charged with intoxicated manslaughter for Fernadez’ death.

According to Lt. Treviño, the man will be hospitalized for nearly a week and will likely be arraigned from his hospital room in the coming days.

Police will not release his identity, pending his arraignment.

 

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