A late-night construction zone on San Antonio's North Side turned chaotic early Saturday when a speeding Toyota Camry slammed into a line of parked emergency vehicles, according to police. The crash happened around 2:05 a.m. in the 2700 block of Loop 1604, where off-duty officers were working with road crews and had their patrol cars parked with red-and-blue lights flashing, according to News 4 San Antonio.
Several passengers in the Camry, along with some of the off-duty officers, were hurt in the collision. All reported injuries were described as non-life-threatening, and the injured were taken to a local hospital for treatment. Investigators say the driver never changed lanes or slowed down before rear-ending the parked cruisers, despite the active emergency lights and lane closure.
According to the San Antonio Police Department, as reported by News 4 San Antonio, the Camry hit the emergency vehicles from behind while traveling at what officers called an unsafe speed. An initial investigation determined the 19-year-old driver was under the influence, and he now faces intoxication assault charges. The collision forced a temporary closure of lanes on Loop 1604 while emergency crews and investigators worked the scene.
What intoxication assault means in Texas
Under Texas law, intoxication assault is defined in Penal Code §49.07 and is generally classified as a third-degree felony when no enhancements apply. Third-degree felonies carry a specific punishment range set out in state law; sentencing brackets are detailed in Penal Code Chapter 12.
The statute also allows for tougher penalties in certain circumstances. Enhancements can come into play, for example, when serious injury is inflicted on emergency personnel who are on duty. Prosecutors will review those options as they evaluate the case and the full extent of the injuries.
Loop 1604 safety and traffic context
Loop 1604 has become a repeat trouble spot, with high-speed stretches and frequent construction projects combining for a series of serious crashes in recent months. Those incidents have snarled commutes and raised ongoing concerns about safety for drivers, officers and construction workers who find themselves just a few feet from fast-moving traffic. MySA has highlighted other wrecks along the loop that led to lane closures and hospitalizations, underscoring the risks that come with nighttime work zones on busy highways.
The San Antonio Police Department says the investigation into Saturday's crash remains active and that charges are still pending. Officers have not yet released the suspect's name or additional details about the case. For the initial report on the collision and the intoxication assault charge, see the coverage from News 4 San Antonio.
