Corpus Christi Police Department Gang Unit Supervisor Lt. D. Garcia was traveling southbound on Ayers when a black Chevrolet Tahoe crossed over onto his lane.  Both vehicles sustained heavy damage as they collided almost head-on.

Both drivers were taken to area hospitals.  Lt. Garcia, a 14-year veteran of the department was taken to Spohn Shoreline for medical evaluation and released.  Lt. Garcia’s use of his seatbelt prevented serious bodily injury.  The 27-year-old driver of the Tahoe suffered fractures to his right leg and foot along with a bruising to his upper torso and admitted to Spohn Memorial. 

 It is unknown at this time, why the driver swerved into oncoming traffic, but the driver showed signs of being intoxicated and a blood draw taken.   Derek Jonathan Puebla (07/22/84) received medical clearance from hospital staff and arrested.  He was booked at the City Detention Center and charged with Driving While Intoxicated, Driving While License Invalid and Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility.  A weapon and “Kush” was also found in the Tahoe Puebla was operating.  The follow-up accident investigation will be handled by the Traffic Division.  Puebla could also face charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Possession of Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 2-A for the “Kush” which is a synthetic marijuana.

As Officers were arriving on the accident site, one Officer attempted to talk to a man who resembled an individual who appeared to have walked away from the accident scene.  The Officer had to give chase when the man took off running.  Jose Samuel Galvan (01/07/76) was quickly apprehended and found to have a firearm.  The weapon had been reported stolen in Corpus Christi.  He was arrested and charged with  Unlawful Carrying of a Firearm, Theft of a Firearm from a Motor Vehicle, and Evading Arrest.   #1206230157

While Officers were conducting the preliminary accident investigation a driver drove past the Officers blocking access to the accident site.  When they stopped Mack Hinojosa (12/25/86) they could see a plastic baggy of Cocaine in the center console and he was found to be wanted by ATF.  Hinojosa  was arrested and charged with the outstanding Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms warrant for Felon in Possession of a Firearm, two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance (Cocaine and Pills), and Possession of Marijuana. #1206230161