AUSTIN, TX (07/17/2016) — Kyle Braker remains hospitalized following an accident with a drunk driver early Sunday Morning.
According to authorities, Kyle Braker suffered serious injuries after a suspected drunk driver struck his vehicle at a gas station located at the intersection of Interstate 35 and St. Elmo Road in Austin, Texas.
Police reported that at around 12:30 a.m., 22-year-old Justin Navarrete was speeding and weaving in an SUV on the frontage road of the highway when he nearly struck a concrete divider near the entrance ramp of the freeway. In an attempt to avoid a collision, Navarrete swerved, hit a light pole, and collided with Braker—who was pumping gas at a nearby gas station.
Officials stated that Braker suffered a fractured pelvis and damaged lungs. Braker’s girlfriend, Shelby Arlaus, was a front seat passenger when the SUV careened into their vehicle. She suffered minor injuries.
“I heard behind me, from the highway ‘rrrrrrrrr, rrrrrrr’ — like screeching,” Arlaus recalled. “I just saw the truck, I saw the lights just flip.”
The Austin Police Department (APD) stated that Navarette was uncooperative, exhibited slurred speech, and had bloodshot eyes at the scene of the accident. His blood alcohol level was listed as 0.242%, which is just over three times the legal limit.
Navarette has been charged with intoxication assault.
Commentary
At the moment, this driver has been criminally charged with intoxication assault; however, he could also face a civil personal injury lawsuit from those injured in the crash. This accident is still under investigation, and we will provide additional updates as more information is released.
