BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – A devastating three-vehicle collision late Friday night has led to the arrest of 26-year-old Raul Rodriguez, who now faces multiple charges of Intoxication Assault after allegedly causing a crash that seriously injured several individuals, including two young children — one of whom is reported to be in critical condition.
According to the Brownsville Police Department (BPD), officers were dispatched at approximately 11:06 p.m. to the scene of a major accident at the intersection of West University Boulevard and South Expressway 77/83. When they arrived, they found a chaotic scene involving three heavily damaged vehicles and multiple injured occupants requiring immediate medical attention.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Rodriguez was driving a blue pickup truck and had allegedly run a red light, colliding with two other vehicles that were legally passing through the intersection. The impact was severe enough to cause substantial structural damage to the vehicles and left several victims with serious injuries.
Officers on the scene reported that Rodriguez showed clear signs of impairment, including slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and a strong odor of alcohol. He was subjected to a field sobriety test, after which he was taken into custody. Police say Rodriguez was determined to be under the influence at the time of the crash.
Among the injured were two young children and one adult female, all of whom were quickly transported to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. According to authorities, one of the children is currently in critical condition, prompting heightened concern and an outpouring of support from the community.
Rodriguez has been formally charged with three counts of Intoxication Assault with a Motor Vehicle Causing Serious Bodily Injury, a felony offense under Texas law. His bond was set at $75,000.
The Brownsville Police Department issued a statement urging drivers to make responsible choices and emphasizing the devastating impact of impaired driving.
“This incident is a tragic reminder of how quickly lives can be changed by one reckless decision,” said a spokesperson for BPD. “Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this incredibly difficult time. We are committed to pursuing justice on their behalf.”
The intersection where the crash occurred remained closed for several hours as traffic investigators reconstructed the scene and collected evidence. Witnesses described the crash as violent, with one bystander saying the sound of the impact was “like an explosion.”
Community members have since expressed frustration and heartbreak over the incident, particularly because young children were involved. “This shouldn’t happen — not because someone decided to drink and drive,” said a local resident who witnessed the aftermath.
As the investigation continues, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has dashcam footage of the moments leading up to the collision to contact Brownsville Police at their non-emergency tip line.
This tragic event adds to growing concerns about impaired driving in Cameron County and throughout Texas. Authorities are once again urging the public to never drive under the influence, use designated drivers, and report unsafe behavior on the roads.
For the families of the victims — especially the child in critical condition — the road to recovery will be long and uncertain. But the Brownsville community is already rallying in support, hoping for healing, and calling for accountability.
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