EL PASO, TX (02/27/2016) — A hit-and-run accident involving an intoxicated driver claimed the life of Alfonso Barrera on Saturday afternoon.
According to El Paso police, 63-year-old Alfonso Rubio Barrera was killed in a hit-and-run accident that occurred at an unmarked crosswalk in the 10400 block of McCombs Avenue in El Paso, Texas.
Police reported that at around 3:10 p.m., 28-year-old Brandy Lina Holguin—the driver of a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe—struck Barrera as he was crossing the street. Holguin initially fled the scene, but was followed by a witness who called police. The eyewitness, Alec Simpson, discussed the situation with KFOX14 News.
“I saw a man crossing the street when I got to the center lane,” Simpson said. “He made it to the center of the street where the vehicle was driving. She never saw him; he never saw her.”
Simpson chased after Holguin, until she stopped about a quarter of a mile from where the incident took place.
“I felt really bad for the man at first because I wished I could help,” he said. “I wished he was alright, immediately, and then I felt really disgusted also at the person for not even stopping at all. She begged me not to call the police,” Simpson said.
Barrera was transported to University Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries.
Holguin was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and accident causing death. She’s being held on $50,000 bond.
Commentary
Although police reported that alcohol and speed were believed to have contributed to this fatal collision, some of you may be under the impression that the victim was jaywalking due to the term “unmarked crosswalk,” and thus shares in responsibility.
It’s important to understand that Texas makes no legal distinction between unmarked and marked pedestrian crossings, and ALL states (except Maine and Michigan) require vehicles to yield to a pedestrian who has entered an unmarked crosswalk. If the driver fails to yield and strikes a pedestrian crossing the street, that driver opens themselves up to a potential personal injury claim or wrongful death lawsuit brought by the victim’s family.
