2023 — May 7, SUV driven into 18 migrant pedestrians at a bus-stop, Brownsville, TX– 8
–8 ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas…” 5-9-2023.
–8 CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter…” 5-8-2023.
Narrative Information
May 8, ABC News: “A driver is facing manslaughter charges after he allegedly plowed his car into 18 pedestrians at a Brownsville, Texas, bus stop [outside a migrant shelter], killing eight and injuring 10 others. The crash occurred at 8:29 a.m. Sunday near the Ozanam Center, according to Brownsville police. Some of the victims struck by the gray Range Rover were migrants under the care of Border Patrol, according to Brownsville police spokesman Martin Sandoval. Some were from Venezuela and all of the victims were males, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said.
“The SUV ran a red light, lost control and flipped on its side, Sauceda said at a news conference Monday. The driver, 34-year-old George Alvarez, allegedly tried to flee the scene but was stopped by others, the chief said. Alvarez, who has an “extensive rap sheet,” is in custody on charges including eight counts of manslaughter, Sauceda said. Alvarez appeared in court Monday; bond was set at a total of $3.6 million.
“The FBI is working to determine if the crash was an intentional act and, if so, whether there was a domestic violent extremist motive behind it, law enforcement sources told ABC News on Sunday. The FBI is supporting local and state investigators, and is not the lead agency in the investigation…. Federal and local investigators have scrubbed through the suspect’s social media and say it has “come back clean,” according to sources….”
[A “George Alvarez Criminal History” poster is shown in the article. It includes:
2 Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon
1 Assault against Elderly or Disabled
4 Assault Causing Bodily Injury to a Family Member
1 Assault of Public Servant
2 Burglary of a vehicle
1 Assault Causing Bodily Injury
2 Criminal Mischief
1 Driving While Intoxicated
1 Evading Arrest Cetention
1 Interference with Public Duties
1 Obstruction or Retaliation
1 Possession of Marijuana <2oz
3 Resisting Arrest Search or Transport
1 Theft of Property >$50 <$500.”
(ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas; alleged driver charged.” 5-9-2023.)
May 8, CNN: “The man who drove a vehicle into a group of people near a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas, on Sunday, killing eight and injuring 10 more, has been charged with eight counts of manslaughter, Brownsville Police chief Felix Sauceda said Monday… as well as 10 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and his bond was set at $3.6 million, the chief said. Police said they are still investigating the cause of the crash….” (CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter…” 5-8-2023.)
May 15, KHOU 11, Houston: “Brownsville, Texas – New details on a crash in Brownsville that killed eight people and injured 10 more have been revealed in an arrest warrant. The warrant states that George Alvarez, 34, was "obviously intoxicated" when his SUB plowed through a group of 18 migrants outside of a shelter. He also told officers that the migrants got in his way, according to the warrant. The details were revealed as Brownsville police continue to investigate if the crash was intentional.
“Three survivors returned home last week while others were still being treated at the hospital. All of the victims were men that appeared to be from Venezuela, according to investigators.
“Authorities said Alvarez is a Brownsville native with a lengthy criminal history. Video from the crash scene showed witnesses holding down Alvarez after they said he tried to run before police showed up.
“Authorities also said Brownsville has been a hotspot for Venezuelan migrants over the last few weeks. More than 66% of the migrants in custody were from Venezuela, and the surge in migrants led to an extension in the city's declaration of emergency.
“Alvarez was held in jail on a $3.6 million bond.” (KHOU 11, Houston, TX. “‘Got in my way’ – New details about the man accused of killing 8 people in Brownsville.” 5-15-2023.)
Sources
ABC News. “8 killed after car plows into 18 pedestrians in Brownsville, Texas; alleged driver charged.” 5-9-2023. Accessed 5-8-2023 at: https://abcnews.go.com/US/7-dead-after-car-runs-pedestrians-brownsville-texas/story?id=99152817
CNN. “Driver in fatal crash outside Texas migrant shelter charged with 8 counts of manslaughter, police say.” 5-8-2023. Accessed 5-11-2023 at: https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/08/us/brownsville-texas-car-crash-monday/index.html
KHOU 11, Houston, TX. “‘Got in my way’ – New details about the man accused of killing 8 people in Brownsville.” 5-15-2023. Accessed 5-18-2023 at: https://www.khou.com/article/news/crime/texas-border-crash-update/285-d47c0088-b678-4e78-a8f3-6fa5893ec714