Driver Charged in Deadly Crash Outside Texas Migrant Shelter
The driver of an SUV that crashed into a bus stop outside a migrant shelter in Brownsville, Texas on Sunday has been charged with manslaughter.
The incident resulted in the deaths of at least eight people, including migrants, and left 10 others injured.
The driver, identified as 34-year-old George Alvarez, allegedly ran a red light and struck a total of 18 individuals.
Shocked witnesses described the scene as horrific, with bodies scattered all over the place.
After the crash, onlookers confronted Alvarez, who attempted to flee the scene but was held down by civilians until authorities arrived.
Alvarez, a resident with a lengthy arrest record and prior convictions, now faces 18 felony counts in relation to the incident.
Investigators are awaiting a toxicology report and working to determine whether the crash was intentional.
Among the victims were asylum seekers from Venezuela who had planned to move to New York to start a new life in America.
The tragedy has deeply affected the community, which has already been strained by the ongoing migrant situation.
In a separate incident near the shelter, Brownsville police have taken a man into custody after he allegedly wielded a gun outside the facility housing migrants.
The man fled the scene in his vehicle, but police eventually apprehended him.
Although they were unable to locate the weapon, they found marijuana on the suspect, who has been charged with possession.
Authorities are currently searching the surrounding area for any discarded weapons.
The incident has heightened concerns among the migrants in the shelter and the community at large, which anticipates an increase in asylum seekers arriving in the coming days.
Despite the challenges, the community has shown an outpouring of love and support.
A growing memorial has been set up at the bus stop turned crime scene, serving as a tribute to the lives lost.
Faith leaders from various denominations held a two-hour vigil, offering prayers for the victims and expressing solidarity with those affected.
Brownsville remains on high alert as it continues to grapple with the aftermath of both tragedies, knowing that more migrants and asylum seekers will soon be seeking refuge within its doors.
