An early-morning crash on a Canyon exit ramp left four people fighting for their lives Sunday, including a 9-month-old baby and a 21-year-old woman who lost her pregnancy, after police say an El Paso man slammed an SUV into a concrete median while intoxicated.
Crash and arrest
According to KFOX, Canyon police were called around 3:15 a.m. on July 5 to the intersection of southbound U.S. 87 and the eastbound U.S. 60 exit ramp, where a white 2026 Nissan SUV had struck a concrete median.
Officers identified the driver as 23-year-old Jacob Saucedo of El Paso. After processing the scene, investigators had Saucedo booked into the Randall County Sheriff's Office and charged him with three counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle, authorities told the station.
Victims and hospitalizations
As reported by NewsChannel 10, three passengers were riding in the SUV along with Saucedo, including a 9-month-old child. All four people in the vehicle were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition.
The station said a 21-year-old pregnant passenger suffered injuries so severe that they resulted in the loss of her pregnancy. Canyon police told the outlet the wreck remains under active investigation.
Charges and legal exposure
Under Texas law, intoxication assault is charged when an intoxicated operator causes serious bodily injury, as outlined in Texas Penal Code Section 49.07. It is a third-degree felony, carrying a potential sentence of two to 10 years in prison and fines up to $10,000 under Section 12.34.
Convictions for intoxication offenses can also trigger administrative penalties, including license suspensions, with any eventual punishment left to the courts if prosecutors move the case forward.
Investigation ongoing
Canyon police say the crash investigation is ongoing and have asked anyone with information to contact the department, according to NewsChannel 10. Saucedo remained in custody at the Randall County jail, and authorities had not announced any court dates.
This story will be updated if officials release additional details about the case or the conditions of those injured.
