25 arrested in el paso smuggling rings charged with using gateway hotel to harbor illegal aliens
John E. Murphy, Acting United States Attorney and United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Office of Special Investigations Special Agent in Charge Manuel Oyola-Torres announced that 25 individuals, including the owner and two managers of the Gateway Hotel in El Paso, have been arrested over the past two weeks on charges of conspiracy to smuggle and harbor illegal aliens for financial gain.
This afternoon, United States Magistrate Judge Richard Mesa denied bond for Song U. Chon, owner of the Gateway Hotel, and earlier this morning, United States Magistrate Judge Norbert Garney denied bond to Guillermo Lopez-Nunez, an alleged alien smuggling organization leader.
Last week, alleged alien smuggling organization leader Maria Isidra Luna-Avila, Gateway Hotel night manager Alejandro Garcia-Rico and former hotel maintenance man Jose Herrera were all denied bond after being arrested by agents with the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), which is led by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Following their arrest last week, bond was set at $20,000 for Gateway Hotel day manager Armando Arzate and Juo-Hsuan Hsu (Pronounced “Jo-Shwan-Soo”), owner of May’s Café once located inside the Gateway Hotel.
On May 27, 2009, a federal grand jury in El Paso returned a 51-count indictment against Chon, the Y.C.L. Corporation (d.b.a. The Gateway Hotel), Lopez-Nunez, Luna-Avila, Arzate, Garcia-Rico, Hsu and others. Charges in the indictment include conspiracy to commit alien smuggling, alien smuggling, alien smuggling resulting in death, money laundering and structuring financial transactions in order to avoid reporting requirements. The indictment also seeks a $1 million monetary judgement against Chon as well as the criminal forfeiture to the Government of the Gateway Hotel.
The indictment alleges that beginning in June 2003, the defendants conspired and devised a plan to smuggle hundreds of undocumented aliens into the country from the Republic of Mexico and harbor them in El Paso using the Gateway Hotel and other locations. The defendants would allegedly harbor the aliens–supplying them with shelter, food and clothing–until their family or “sponsor” paid a fee, usually in the approximate amount of $2,000. Once the fee was paid, generally by Western Union and/or Money Gram, the defendants would then transport the undocumented aliens to their final destination in the United States.
– more –
Gateway Hotel indictment release June 11, 2009 Page 2
The indictment specifically charges Luna-Avila with alien smuggling resulting in death of an undocumented alien on July 25, 2007. On that day, an undocumented alien attempting to return back to the Republic of Mexico drowned in the American canal in downtown El Paso. Upon conviction, Luna-Avila faces life imprisonment.
Each smuggling count carries up to ten years imprisonment; each money laundering count is punishable by imprisonment for up to 20 years; and, each structuring count carries up to 10 years imprisonment.
“These arrests are the culmination of an investigation of an El Paso business owner who for years was a key player of a network that smuggled and moved hundreds of illegal aliens into the country,” said Manuel Oyola-Torres, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in El Paso. “The success of this case is due largely to the relationship between ICE and its BEST partners, who share our goal of securing our borders and protecting the homeland.”
This investigation was conducted by agents with the Department of Homeland Security’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement Border Enforcement Security Task Force. El Paso BEST members are: ICE, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Border Patrol and Office of Field Operations; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA); U.S. Department of State; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Transportation Security Administration (TSA); El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Police Department; and, Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant United States Attorneys Juanita Fielden and David Rosado are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
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Police investigate swimming pool death
Date/Time: 06-10-2009/ 2:35 pm
Location: 10000 Block of De Anza
Victim: FOWLER, Judy, 3 year-old female, 10000 Block of De Anza
**UPDATE**
EL PASO, TEXAS –The El Paso Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons Unit (CAP)
is now investigating the death of 3 year-old, Judy Fowler, that had fallen into the family
swimming pool on Wednesday afternoon. The original incident was investigated by the
Crimes Against Children Unit (C.A.C.), and turned over to Crimes Against Persons (C.A.P.)
upon the child’s death. The investigation is standard procedure in any injury to a child case.
HISTORY-Officers from the Pebble Hills Regional Command Center responded to
the 10000 block of De Anza on a water emergency. The investigation has revealed that a 3 year-
old female was playing in the backyard of the family home when she fell into the swimming
pool. Emergency personnel arrived at the scene and transported her to Providence
Hospital in Critical Condition. The El Paso Police Department’s Crimes Against Children
Unit (CAC) is currently investigating the incident.
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DOG OWNER ARRESTED AFTER 5 MONTH OLD PUPPY IS FOUND WITH SEVERE INJURY
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 6900 block of ALTO REY EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: TUESDAY, JUNE 9, 2009 2:25 PM
RESULT: ARREST MADE
UPPER VALLEY- Tuesday afternoon 06-09-09 at 2:25 PM, Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the Animal Rescue League located at 7256 La Junta El Paso County, TX in reference to animal cruelty. Deputies arrived and met with officials at the animal rescue who told authorities they had received a small male canine with a large laceration approximately 4 inches long. Deputies observed a collar to be severely embedded into the canine`s flesh. The collar had 4 silver spikes and 4 silver beads in which the spikes were pressing into the open wound. The collar which was too small for the canines neck was removed to prevent further pain.
Animal rescue Officials accompanied by Sheriff’s Deputies, transported the canine to the Country Club Animal Clinic located at 5470 Doniphan El Paso, Texas. Animal Doctors quickly tended to the canine later advising Sheriff’s Officials that the laceration on the animal would have caused its death if not immediately treated.
Animal Doctors determined the collar was approximately 25.7cm in length from the first hole & stated the canines neck circumference was approximately 31cm. it was later determined the 5 month old canine was wearing a collar sized for an 8 week old canine. Animal Doctors also determined the canine had been choking on the collar for approximately a month. Medical Officials stated the laceration to the canine`s neck was 9.3cm in length, 2cm in width, and 1.2cm in depth & advised Sheriff’s Officials the spikes on the collar would have eventually penetrated into the canine`s windpipe.
After the medical findings & an extensive investigation by Sheriff’s Deputies, information on the canines owner was received. Deputies responded to an apartment complex in the 6900 block of Alto Rey El Paso, TX. Deputies met with the resident who told them she knew why they were there. Deputies observed the living condition of the residence & found living conditions for a canine were not good as there was no dog food in the bowl & a dog food bag with little food remaining.
Deputies arrested & charged the canine owner with CRUELTY TO NON-LIVESTOCK ANIMALS: TORTURE. The offender is identified ELVA ORTEGA (48) of the 6900 block of Alto Rey El Paso, TX. She was booked and remains at the El Paso County Detention Facility.
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8 MONTH PREGNANT FEMALE VIOLENTLY ASSAULTED OVER WEEKEND
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: 14000 block Desert Willow EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 2009 1:30 PM
RESULT: ARREST MADE
MONTANA VISTA- Friday, 06-05-09 at 1:50 PM, Deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Montana and Flagger in El Paso County, TX in reference to information on a family violence dispute. Deputies arrived and met with the Reporter / Victim who they observed was visibly shaken, crying and blood flowing from her nose. The Victim told authorities she and her common law husband were arguing over family issues at their home located while at their home located in the 14000 block of Dessert Willow. During the argument the husband (suspect) became very upset and struck her with a closed fist on her nose, breaking her nose. The Suspect proceeded to get a silver handgun he had & apparently began to load it and threatened the Victim to leave the home or if not he would ‘kill her”. Deputies proceeded to the residence where they made contact with the Suspect quickly taking him into custody without further incident. The handgun was recovered as evidence. The victim was treated and released, she must wait to get x-rays on her apparent broken nose due to the fact that she is in her third trimester of pregnancy.
The Suspect was charged and arrested for AGGARAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON. He was identified as ADAN REYES (30) of the 14000 block of Desert Willow El Paso County, TX. Cocaine was also found on REYES & he was also charged with POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE).
ARRESTED:
ADAN REYES (30)
CHARGES:
AGGRAVATED ASSAULT W/ DEADLY WEAPON- $10,000 BOND
POSSESSION OF A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE (COCAINE)- $1,500 BOND
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MEMORIAL DAY “CLICK IT OR TICKET” ENFORCEMENT RESULTS
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: May 18-31, 2009
RESULT: FINAL RESULTS
SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT
EL PASO, TX- During May 18-31, 2009, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) utilized a GRANT focusing on SEATBELT ENFORCEMENT. The purpose of this push was to maximize the visibility of enforcement to the public watching for drivers not wearing their seatbelts during the peak of the holiday traffic.
The Enforcement Campaign was deemed as success resulting in the issuance of over 800 citations.
594 which were for seat belt violations (511 adults and 83 children)
Deputies volunteered to work an additional 4 hours on top of their regular duty hours to make this operation a success. A total of 252 hours was committed to this operation over the span of 13 days.
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Fatal head-on collision in horizon city / victim identified
LOCATION OF OCCURRENCE: EASTLAKE / MYSTIC DESERT EL PASO COUNTY, TX
DATE / TIME: Monday, June 8, 2009 3:25 AM
RESULT: VICTIMS IDENTIFIED
EAST EL PASO COUNTY, TX– Early Monday morning June 8, 2009 at 3:25 AM, Sheriff’s Deputies along with the Horizon Police Dept. responded to a two vehicle accident with serious injuries on Eastlake Blvd. near the area where Eastlake intersects with Mystic Desert. Authorities arrived to find a 1999 Silver Ford Mustang & a 2001 Red GMC pick-up truck with extensive damage. Authorities rapidly tended to the injured to find both vehicles with single occupants (female drivers). The 28 year-old driver of the Ford Mustang was found unresponsive with no signs of life. The 49 year-old driver of the GMC pick-up was found with serious leg injuries. She was transported to Thomason Hospital by Life Ambulance. Special Traffic Investigators were summoned to the scene.
After an extensive investigation, STI’s determined the Ford Mustang was traveling eastbound on Eastlake at a high rate of speed where the driver then lost control, crossed over the dirt median into the westbound lanes of traffic violently colliding head-on with the GMC pick-up which was traveling westbound on Eastlake. The impact resulted in the GMC veering off into the right desert shoulder facing westbound.
Eastlake Blvd. was closed for several hours.
UPDATE: The deceased (driver of the Ford Mustang) has been identified as 28 year-old Lourdes Lopez of the 15000 block of Peter Noyes Dr. Horizon City, TX. She leaves behind 4 children ages; 11, 9, 6 & a toddler.
The driver of the GMC pick-up is identified as 49 year-old Socorro Hernandez of the 13900 block of Zeny Web Horizon, City TX. She suffered a laceration to her knee & a broken ankle.
AT THIS TIME SPEED AND ALCOHOL APPEAR TO BE FACTORS IN THE ACCIDENT.
AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED FOR TODAY 06-09-09. TOXICOLOGY RESULTS ARE PENDING.
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Man seriously hurt after crashing into rock medianM
Date/Time: 06-07-2009 @ 8:21p.m.
Location: Loop 375 @ Edgemere(mile marker 38)
Vehicle: 2004 Harley Davidson Night Star, motorcycle, brown
Driver: Raul Rodriguez, 34 years of age, San Elizario, Texas Resident
EL PASO, TEXAS – A man is seriously injured after striking a rock median on Loop 375 in East El Paso. At 8:21p.m., 34-year old Raul Rodriguez was driving a 2004 Harley Davidson motorcycle on Loop 375 South onramp at Edgemere. As Rodriguez was driving on the onramp he struck a rock median that divides the ramp from the freeway. The impact caused Rodriguez to lose control and be thrown off the vehicle. Rodriguez was taken to Thomason Hospital for treatment of serious injuries and is listed in critical condition. Rodriguez was not using a helmet. At this time speed does not appear to be a factor, and any alcohol involvement will have to await test results. Members of the Special Traffic Investigations Unit (S.T.I.) are handling the case. No other vehicles were involved.
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Beer run operation catches four
Date/Time: June 5-6, 2009
Location: Seven Eleven Stores (see below)
Arrested #1: Jonathon Archuleta, 19 years of age, resident of Juarez, Chih
Arrested #2: Raul Arturo Perez, 17 years of age, 600 block of Fonseca
Arrested #3: Jonathon Vega, 17 years of age, 4100 block of Memphis
Arrested #4: 16 year old juvenile
EL PASO, TEXAS – Three adults were arrested and a juvenile taken into custody during a “Beer Run” operation. The “Beer Run” operation by the Central Regional Command Center caught four persons in the act of committing a theft from local convenience stores. Officers in plain clothes and in unmarked police cars conducted surveillance on several convenience stores in an effort to catch persons committing “beer runs.” During the weekend, undercover officers observed “beer runs” committed in their presence and were able to arrest the four persons responsible. All five Regional Command Centers will routinely conduct similar operations, so would be thieves should be aware they may be being watched.
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Police arrest two for racing
Date/Time: 06-07-2009/10:30 pm
Location: 6300 Block of Alameda
Arrested: Rodriguez, Justin, 17 years of age, 2900 block of Gull Lake, El Paso, TX
Vehicle: 2008 Ford Mustang
Arrested: Rios, Hugo, 19 years of age, 10800 block of Edgemere, El Paso, TX
Vehicle: 2006 Hyundai Azera
EL PASO, TEXAS – Two men are arrested for racing in central El Paso streets. Officers
from the Central Regional Command were patrolling the 3000 block of Montana when
they witnessed, a 2008 Ford Mustang and a 2006 Hyundai Azera travelling side by side
at a high rate of speed. The officers began to proceed to the location of the vehicles and
observed their rate of speed to increase. The officers followed the vehicles until a traffic stop
was initiated at I-10 East and Copia where both drivers, 17-year old Justin Rodriguez and
19-year old Hugo Rios were taken into custody for the Class B Misdemeanor of Racing on
Highway. Both men were booked into the El Paso County Jail on a bond of $300.00 each.
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Crime stoppers family violence assaults
EL PASO, TEXAS –
Crime Stoppers of El Paso is asking for the media’s help in publicizing the persons listed below who have outstanding warrants for Family Violence assaults.
These are offenders who have already been found guilty of injuring a family member, and they are still at large within our community. With your assistance, we can bring them to justice.
If you are a victim of or a witness to family violence, report it immediately at 911. Or you can call Crime Stoppers at 566-TIPS (566-8477) to report on-going concerns. You will remain anonymous, and you could receive a cash reward if your information proves useful in apprehending these offenders:
Tovar, Arturo DOB: 01/16/1957
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Lazcano, Richard DOB: 05/05/1989
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Prieto, Lorenzo DOB: 12/08/1988
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Diaz, David DOB: 07/19/1984
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
Avalos, Sergio DOB: 08/15/1962
Charge: Assault Causes Bodily Injury
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Monday, june 8 , 2009 wanted fugitive: adrian Dominguez
FUGITIVE INFORMATION:
NAME: DOMINGUEZ, ADRIAN (36)
AKA’s: CANDELARIA, ADRIAN
DOB: 04-30-73
HEIGHT: 5’10”
WEIGHT: 213 lbs.
HAIR: Black
EYES: Brown
BUILD: Medium
COMPLEXION: Medium
TATTOO’S:
Upper Right Arm- a picture of a ROSE & “Diana”
Upper Left Arm- “Alondra” / Heart (picture) / Tribal (picture)
Chest- “KZ”
Back- ”Dominguez” / “95-2002”
PLACE OF BIRTH: El Paso, TX
WANTED FOR:
ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY INJURY - $15,000 BOND
The Manhunt is on for ADRIAN DOMINGUEZ.
DOMINGUEZ is wanted for the OFFENSE of:
ASSAULT CAUSING BODILY INJURY - $15,000 BOND
FABENS, TX- Christmas eve 12-24-08, DOMINGUEZ was involved in a verbal argument with an on-again / off-again girlfriend who had gone to his residence to retrieve her belongings. During the argument, DOMINGUEZ began getting aggressive with the female forcibly grabbing her by the arms. A male subject who observed what was occurring (3rd party- Victim), stepped in between the parties to protect the woman. At that point DOMINGUEZ proceeded to assault the male subject causing him to suffer a severe laceration to his left eye. Charges were filed a short time later. Authorities have attempted to locate DOMINGUEZ on several occasions but were unsuccessful finding him.
In the last week, DOMINGUEZ has been spotted in the Fabens, TX area as he continues to elude capture. He is said to possibly be driving a Maroon Nissan passenger car.
If anyone has seen or knows the whereabouts of ADRIAN DOMINGUEZ they are urged to call Crime Stoppers of El Paso at 566-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous & may be eligible for a reward if the information provided leads to the apprehension of the individuals featured.
END OF FEATURE FOR "MANHUNT"
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Pebble hills officer charge three for engaging in criminal activity
Date/Time: 06-06-2009 @ 6:00 p.m.
Location: 1300 block of George Dieter (Kohl’s)
Arrested 1: Ruben Chavez, 31 years of age, 11500 block of Nancy, El Paso, Tx
Arrested 2: Christian Chavez, 21 years of age, 11500 block of Nancy, El Paso, Tx
Arrested 3: April Rubio, 18 years of age, 14500 block of Hendrick, Horizon, Tx
EL PASO, TEXAS – Pebble Hills officers charge three for Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity Saturday evening. Offices of the Pebble Hills investigative section were conducting a follow up investigation regarding a theft. As a result of that investigation officers determined that Ruben Chavez, Christian Chavez and April Rubio used a stolen credit card to make several purchases at the Kohl’s store located in the 1300 block of George Dieter. R. Chavez, C. Chavez and Rubio were placed under arrest Saturday evening after the vehicle they were riding in was stopped for a traffic violation. Officers/Investigators were able to recover items purchased with the stolen card and several other items that had been reported stolen inside the vehicle. All three were booked into the El Paso County Jail on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity (forgery). No mugs are available at this time as this is an ongoing investigation.
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FIRE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
June 6, 2009
This morning at approximately 0639 hours 7 units with the El Paso Fire Department responded to a call of an arson in progress on the 9400 block of Nottingham in the mission valley. First units on the scene reported smoke showing from a residence and placed a condition I on the fire.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and fire damages were kept minimal. Firefighters also determined that the fire, which originated in a bedroom, appeared to be suspicious and requested Fire Marshal Investigators.
Investigators conducted an investigation and the investigation continues. Preliminary findings in the investigation determined that the fire was intentionally set and arrest are pending. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. Arson is a 2nd degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison and/or up to a $10,000 fine.
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Fire Department
NEWS RELEASE June 6, 2009
Yesterday morning at approximately 1020 hours 10 units with the El Paso Fire Department responded to a brush fire in the 10000 block of Lana Place in northeast El Paso. First units on the scene reported flames coming to close to homes and electrical poles and fire crews placed a condition II on the fire.
It took 10 fire department units over 30 minutes to bring the brush fire under control. The fire was pronounced under control at 1054 hours. The high temperatures also hampered firefighting operations. An investigation was conducted by firefighters at the scene to determine the cause of the fire.
Firefighters determined that a discarded cigarette was the probable caused of the fire. The fire was ruled as accidental. There were no reported injuries to firefighters or civilians. Fire officials remind the public of the dangerous hot, dry and windy conditions and urge them to use extreme caution when cooking out side or discarding smoking materials.
Dry conditions and steady winds are the prime ingredients for potential brushfires and fire officials urge residents to take extra measures to ensure their safety during the dry season. In just a moment a brushfire can go from a natural controlled situation to a major threat to life and property. Here are some more fire safety tips:
• Combustible debris should be removed within a radius of 30 feet from your home.
• The distance between your house and any nearby trees should be a minimum of 10 feet.
• Clear roof surfaces and gutters regularly
• Place connected garden hoses at all sides of your home for emergency use.
• Store gasoline in approved safety cans, away from occupied buildings.
• Ensure that you and your family know all emergency exits from your home.
• Never dispose of cigarettes anywhere but in an ashtray or other proper receptacle.
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Man charged with impersonating - public servant
Date/Time: 06-06-2009 @ 3:50 a.m.
Location: 300 N. Americas
Victim: Jessie Ortega, 23 years of age, 9700 block Vallarta, El Paso, Tx
EL PASO, TEXAS – Mission Valley Police officers investigating a traffic collision early Saturday morning arrest man who said he was a law enforcement officer. A Mission Valley Police Sergeant at the scene of a traffic investigation was approached by Jessie Ortega, early Saturday morning and greeted as, “Hey Sarge…” Ortega went on to explain the traffic scene to the Police Sergeant. The Police Sergeant at the scene questioned Ortega as to which law enforcement agency he worked for. An investigation ensured and it was determined that Ortega did not work as a law enforcement officer and is not a public servant. The investigation revealed that Ortega did impersonate a public servant giving specific instructions to a party involved in the collision. Ortega did this while pretending to have official authority and acting as a public servant. Ortega was placed under arrest and booked into the El Paso County Jail.
NOTE: Ortega was not wearing a distinctive uniform used by law enforcement in the El Paso area.
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El Paso man dies in early morning collision
Date/Time: 06-06-09 @ 3:48 a.m.
Location: 12100 Montwood
Vehicle: Blue 2006 Hyundai, Tiburon
Driver: Israel Saucedo, 21 years of age, 11300 block of Lidenwood, El Paso (Deceased)
EL PASO, TEXAS – An El Paso man dies in an early morning rollover collision. The Special Traffic Investigations Unit (STI) responded to 12100 Montwood to assist Pebble Hills Patrol with a single vehicle, fatality collision early Saturday morning. The preliminary investigation revealed 21-year old Israel Saucedo drove a 2006 Hyundai, Tiburon east on Montwood at the 12100 block, when he struck the right raised curb. The Tiburon, after hitting the curb began to roll over several times then striking a metal pole at the entrance to a shopping center. Saucedo, who was not wearing a seat belt was ejected from the vehicle. Saucedo was transported to Thomason where he died. The front seat passenger in the vehicle, Benjamin Delarosa, an El Paso resident was wearing his seat belt and was not ejected. Delarosa was taken to Thomason where he was treated and released. STI has determined that speed and failure to wear a seat belt are factors in this collision. It is unknown at this point in the investigation if alcohol is a factor. This is the 26th traffic fatality of 2009 as compared to 23 at this same time in 2008. This investigation continues.
