The Eagle Pass Police Department received several emergency calls in regards to an incident on Garrison St. and Main St. between Burger King and McDonalds, in which a female had been struck by a vehicle.
Upon arrival EPPD found the young girl laying on the asphalt and a 2017 Jeep Cherokee stationed in proximity of her body. The Eagle Pass Fire Department EMTs were immediately called to respond to the area and arrived shortly.
The driver of the Jeep was identified as Ana De La Garza, Director of Eagle Pass Bridge Systems, at the scene of the accident. De La Garza was one of the callers who had notified emergency services of the incident. The two other vehicles that ran over the young woman did not stop.
Ambulances transferred both De La Garza, who began to suffer from a panic attack, and the young woman who was hit, to the Fort Duncan Regional Medical Center Emergency Room for treatment and evaluation.
The young woman was later airlifted to a San Antonio hospital where she remains unconscious and in critical condition.
At a press conference held Monday, January 8, Police Chief Alberto Guajardo said he had been out of town, but was still in constant contact with officers who kept him updated on the situation. Lieutenant Aldo Escamilla had been present at the scene of the crime.
Lieutenant Escamilla said the young woman, who is a Burger King employee, was crossing the street, not at a crosswalk, in her uniform that consisted of dark colored clothing. Headphones were also found near her body, indicating she might have been listening to music at the time.
Lieutenant Escamilla also said that there had been no alcohol detected on De La Garza’s breath, but blood work has been sent to Austin for analysis. At this time there are no charges against De La Garza, and the incident is being ruled as an accident, pending the results of the blood work.
The drivers of the two other vehicles that ran over the young woman have not been identified. EPPD was not clear on whether or not they will begin searching for the drivers who fled the scene.
The incident is under investigation by the Eagle Pass Police Department.