A two-vehicle crash in Combes early Saturday morning ended with one person dead and another charged with intoxication manslaughter as state troopers continue to investigate the incident.
Texas Department of Public Safety authorities said in a news release that Erica Lynn Johnson, 36, of Harlingen has been arrested and faces four charges tied to the incident — intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault, failure to stop and render aid causing death, and failure to stop and render aid causing serious bodily injury.
Charges stem from a crash that occurred at around 12:42 a.m. on Interstate 69 East in Combes, where the gray 2008 Kia Torento Johnson was driving veered left to avoid crashing into another vehicle. The Kia then struck a gray 2005 Chevrolet Suburban, causing the Chevy to lose control and “overturn multiple times,” according to DPS.
Both vehicles were traveling southbound at the time, with the Kia carrying Johnson and a male passenger. The Chevy was occupied by a male driver and female passenger, who were both transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center.
The driver of the Chevy, who has yet to be identified, died from his injuries at the hospital.
State troopers say Johnson and the passenger of the Kia fled the scene without rendering aid. Johnson was later found hiding in a field and the passenger has yet to be located.
DPS did not disclose the condition of the passenger in the Kia, but is expected to provide more details after the victim’s next of kin is notified.
