A crash investigation near State Highway 211 in Bexar County took a grim turn when deputies say a 26-year-old driver blew past barricades into an active scene and ran over a man who was already dead from an earlier pedestrian collision. According to investigators, the first incident involved a single vehicle that clipped a 61-year-old man, followed by a second vehicle that struck him again, killing him at the scene. As deputies worked that fatal crash, a third driver allegedly drove into the secured area, ran over the victim’s body and was taken into custody on the spot while investigators expanded their probe, as reported by News 4 San Antonio.
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office told reporters, as cited by News 4 San Antonio, that the driver was identified as 26-year-old Tionne Spears. Deputies say she went around crime-scene barricades before running over the deceased man. Investigators reported finding khat, a plant with stimulant effects, in her possession. Spears was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, abuse of a corpse and drug possession. The two motorists involved in the original pedestrian collision remained at the scene while deputies processed evidence.
Charges and legal context
Under Texas law, “abuse of a corpse” is treated as a serious crime. Lawmakers revised the statute so it can be punished as a state-jail felony, which in some cases can mean 180 days to two years behind bars, according to the Texas Legislature. Any DWI and drug-possession charges would carry their own penalties and could stack on top of the abuse-of-a-corpse count if prosecutors decide to pursue multiple charges.
Federal drug officials note that khat can contain cathinone, a Schedule I substance, which means fresh khat material may be treated as a controlled drug under federal law, according to the DEA.
What investigators said
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office laid out the chain of events for investigators and the media, News 4 San Antonio reported. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim as the investigation continues.
