Six hurt in drunk-driving smash
Emergency responders examine the wreckage of two vehicles after a collision in Pearsall last week that is being listed as caused by a driver whose blood-alcohol level was measured at twice the legal limit
Hermenegildo Vasquez
Pearsall Police say a suspected drunk driver slammed into a family’s car Friday night, March 3, leaving two adults and four children injured.
According to a report on the case, the two-car crash occurred near the intersection of Oak Street and Fitch Road shortly before 9 p.m.
Pct. 2 Constable Rudy Ortegon was first on scene and found the driver, later identified as 56-year-old Hermenegildo Vasquez, to be under the influence of alcohol.
Officers reported after a roadside interview with Vasquez that they detected a strong odor of alcohol on the man’s breath. A search of the black F150 Vasquez had been driving revealed several cold opened and unopened beer cans.
Vasquez allegedly admitted to officers that he was at fault for the accident.
The driver of the second vehicle, a Ford Expedition, told officers that he was traveling southbound on Oak Street when Vasquez, who was traveling northbound, struck him on the drivers’ side.
The driver, an adult passenger and four children received medical attention from injuries sustained in the crash.
Vasquez was transported to the Frio County Jail without further incident and faces a Class A misdemeanor charge of driving while intoxicated.
According to the report, a breathalyzer test was administered and Vasquez’ blood alcohol count was two times over the legal limit.
“Fortunately no serious injuries were reported from this incident,” Police Chief Daniel Flores said. “If you decide to consume alcohol, please be responsible and make accommodations to have a sober driver.”
