Suspected drunk driver accused of crash that sent Edinburg officer to hospital

UPDATE (4:21 p.m. Tuesday):

The Edinburg Police Department said on Facebook that Juan “Jay” Hernandez was released from the hospital Tuesday afternoon.

“Officer Hernandez sustained broken ribs and a fractured wrist after being involved in a serious fleet accident on Sunday,” the post stated.

ORIGINAL STORY:

An Edinburg police officer has been hospitalized following a “serious fleet accident” with a driver officials suspect was intoxicated, the city said in a news release. 

The crash happened at the intersection of 24th Avenue and Chapin Street shortly after noon on Sunday, the release stated. 

The officer’s vehicle was struck on the driver’s side by a Ford F-150, with the release adding that while the officer was transported to the hospital, they are expected to recover. 

The driver of the Ford, who wasn’t identified, was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, the release stated. 

As a result of the crash, the intersection remained closed to eastbound and southbound traffic until 4:49 p.m.

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On Facebook, the Edinburg Police Organization identified the officer as the union’s president, Juan “Jay” Hernandez.

“Prayers for our President, Juan ‘Jay’ Hernandez who was involved in a major accident today while on duty,” the post stated. “Jay was transported to the hospital via EMS. Crash is under investigation, we will post his status when we get one.”

Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the city’s latest update regarding the opening of the intersection.