San Antonio police say the suspect hit speeds of more than 100 mph when it caused a crash involving a Fort Worth shuttle bus.
SAN ANTONIO — A 19-year-old man faces multiple charges, including five counts of manslaughter, after a high-speed crash on Interstate 35 in July killed five people and injured 15 others, San Antonio police announced.
Ethan Gonzales was arrested last week after investigators say DNA evidence placed him in a stolen Chevrolet Camaro that slammed into a passenger van and an 18-wheeler on July 17. Gonzales was driving more than 100 mph when the crash occurred on southbound IH-35 near Cassin Road, according to Emily Garvin with the San Antonio Police Department.
Among the dead was Jose “Tito” Guerra, a Fort Worth business owner who had operated shuttle service Transportes Guerra. Guerra was driving passengers from Fort Worth to Eagle Pass when the crash occurred.
Guerra’s son said the loss has been “incredibly difficult” for the family.
For months, detectives worked to identify four people they say fled the scene after the Camaro crashed. Investigators used multiple pieces of evidence, including surveillance video showing the Camaro being stolen from a San Antonio home days before the crash.
Three others have been identified and arrested in connection with the case, but Gonzales faces the most serious charges. In addition to five counts of manslaughter, he faces five counts of hit-and-run resulting in death and multiple other felonies that have not yet been announced.
In a video of his arrest recorded by KENS 5, Gonzales denied involvement.
San Antonio Police Officer Emily Garvin said the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of excessive speeding.
“This is also a huge reminder that speeding can cause bodily injury to people and even death that can affect people for the rest of their lives,” Garvin said.
The investigation remains ongoing.