A San Marcos local, Manuel Mendoza, Jr., has admitted guilt to charges stemming from a devastating DUI crash that injured four individuals on the night of June 11, 2023—Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins reported Mendoza's sentencing to 10 years for four counts of intoxication assault on December 19, 2024, as published by Hays County.
Driving at dangerous speeds estimated at 100 miles per hour northbound on IH-35 near Kyle Correctional Center, Mendoza's Kia Sorento caused a chain-reaction crash that resulted in injuries and drew a quick, life-saving response from local emergency services, including staff at Kyle Correctional Center, Hays-San Marcos Fire/EMS, and Kyle PD especially the investigation led by KPD Corporal Colby Bryant mentioned by the DA's office for his thorough and professional approach.
The collision occurred when Mendoza, whose blood-alcohol content exceeded the legal limit, struck another vehicle—this resulted in a third vehicle swerving and crashing in an attempt to evade the initial impact, Mendoza was arrested on scene by the Kyle Police Department and importantly, this is not his first DUI conviction, as he had already been convicted of intoxication assault in Hamilton County, Texas.
In a turn of events which brought relief to the affected families, assistance from medical staff at various local hospitals along with the immediate emergency response played a critical role in preserving lives, "The victims in this case did not deserve the life-changing tortures inflicted upon them by Mr. Mendoza," DA Higgins stated after the sentencing, acknowledging the victims' courage and determination, "And without the victims’ strength and resolve, our office could not have achieved this result."
