Manuel Mendoza Jr., a former H-E-B worker, had already been convicted for a prior drunk driving accident.
SAN ANTONIO — H-E-B is getting hit with a multimillion-dollar lawsuit after one of its workers was in a serious crash injuring seven people.
The crash happened on June 11, 2023, in Kyle.
This new lawsuit comes after the H-E-B worker, Manuel Mendoza Jr., was already convicted for a past drunk driving accident.
The lawsuit claims H-E-B, security providers Universal Protection Service and Allied Universal, along with 1A Smart Start, were negligent to prevent the crash.
The lawsuit states Mendoza showed up to work on June 10 at the San Marcos H-E-B distribution center at 3 pm. and alleges he would use substances throughout his shift.
The filing states Mendoza left work at 1:12 a.m. under the supervision of Allied Universal, a security company.
Once Mendoza left, the first 911 call came at 1:34 a.m. – almost 20 minutes later – about the crash on Interstate 35 North in Kyle.
Investigators say Mendoza was going 100 mph at the time of the crash.
According to Mendoza’s arrest warrant, Kyle PD officers reported that Mendoza had slurred speech and no balance, and that they could smell alcohol in his breath.
Mendoza reportedly denied taking a field sobriety test and getting his blood drawn, but did admit he had a drinking problem and relapsed.
According to the suit, Mendoza had a previous DUI conviction and was supposed to have a breathalyzer installed in his car by Smart Start, but this wasn’t done.
In December, Mendoza was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to four counts of intoxication assault.
H-E-B has sent a statement to KENS 5 regarding the incident:
“We are saddened to hear about the case and the injuries involved. However, we recently received notice about the current claims, which are related to an incident that happened approximately two years ago. H-E-B does not sell, store, or allow the consumption of alcohol at this work location. The individual involved was not working at the time of the accident nor did his work duties involve driving a vehicle. Rest assured, we are looking into the situation and taking this matter seriously.”
We also reached out to Universal Protection Service and 1A Smart Start who are also named in the lawsuit, and are still waiting for a response.