Police in Brownsville, Texas, have recognized the driving force who crashed his SUV into a gaggle of individuals ready for a bus exterior a migrant centre, killing eight and severely injuring 10 others.
Since the wreck, police and the FBI have been investigating the reason for the crash, together with whether or not or not the incident was intentional.
The authorities of Venezuela, noting that a number of of the victims have been migrants from the nation — has referred to as for an intensive investigation into the driving force’s motives.
Here’s every thing we all know in regards to the Brownsville driver:
George Alvarez
On Monday, Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda held a press convention throughout which he revealed the driving force had been recognized as George Alvarez, 34.
Mr Alvarez allegedly tried to flee the scene of the incident after he struck the victims and rolled his jeep.
Bystanders reportedly stopped Mr Alvarez and saved him detained till police arrived. He was then taken into police custody after which to an space hospital to be handled for accidents he sustained within the wreck.
Police mentioned Mr Alvarez was being “very uncooperative” with them throughout their preliminary investigation.
Mr Sauceda mentioned toxicology studies are pending.
The driver has since been charged with eight counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of aggravated assault with a lethal weapon.
Criminal historical past
Also throughout the press convention, the police chief famous on Monday that Mr Alvarez has a prolonged legal historical past.
His previous prices embody quite a few assault prices, an aggravated assault cost, and extra prices for housebreaking, theft, DUI, and resisting arrest. He is at present being held on a $3.6m bond, in keeping with CNN.
George Alvarez is seen in his mugshot after lethal crash exterior migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas
(Brownsville Police Department )
Crash
Around 8:29am, police started receiving emergency calls describing a violent automotive accident during which quite a few individuals have been hit by a grey Range Rover.
The crash occurred close to the Ozanam Centre, a migrant useful resource facility.
Mr Sauceda mentioned throughout the press convention on Monday that the SUV ran a crimson mild, misplaced management, and flipped onto its facet. Video footage of the incident seems to point out the automobile hitting the victims earlier than it flips onto its facet.
Motive
Mr Sauceda mentioned the automobile “lost control” earlier than it hit the victims, however famous that legislation enforcement had not dominated out the chance that the incident was deliberate.
Police mentioned they have been invesitgating claims that the driving force was hurling invectives on the migrants previous to the crash, in keeping with the New York Times.
The FBI has joined the investigation and is at present investigating whether or not or not the crash was intentional. They haven’t reached any conclusions in that line of inquiry.
The director of the migrant shelter, Victor Maldonado, informed CBS affiliate KMOV4 that individuals have reportedly approached the centre’s safety guards and informed them the crash occurred due to their facility.
“I’ve had a couple of people come by the gate and tell the security guard that the reason this happened was because of us,” he mentioned.
The shelter has been at or over capability — 250 — in latest weeks whereas attempting to help an inflow of migrants arriving within the area. Mr Maldonado famous that most of the migrants don’t wish to keep in Brownsville, however mentioned they’re caught within the space because of a scarcity of transportation choices accessible by way of the shelter.
