Occurred Monday, December 31, 2012, 5:47am, Staples St. at Kostoryz St. Intoxication Manslaughter, 1212310030

A 22-year-old man was arrested for intoxication manslaughter Monday morning after a single vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a 22-year-old man.

A black 2003 Kia Sorento was driven by 22-year-old Michael Valenzuela (10/18/1990) on Kostoryz Monday morning at about 5:45am. The Kia traveled north on Kostroyz to the Staples Street intersection and then conducted a left turn onto Staples Street. Valenzuela lost control of the vehicle and the Kia struck the curb on the right side of the roadway and then rolled. The Kia landed on the driver’s side.

A 22-year-old man was the rear passenger in the Kia and was ejected from the Kia. The 22-year-old passenger was not wearing a seat belt and was fatally injured. The two women passengers and Valenzuela were uninjured in the crash.

Corpus Christi Police investigated the crash and discovered Valenzuela was in possession of marijuana. Investigating officers believe speed was a contributing factor to the crash and also discovered evidence Valenzuela was intoxicated.

Police Officers took Valenzuela to Spohn Shoreline Hospital for a medical evaluation and to collect a specimen of his blood. Valenzuela was then delivered to the Corpus Christi city detention center.

Valenzuela was arrested for Intoxication Manslaughter (a second degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine) and for possession of marijuana (a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to 6 months in jail and up to a $2,000 fine).

Traffic was disrupted in the intersection for about 2 hours.

Corpus Christi Police remind motorists that everyone in a vehicle must wear a seatbelt. Police also urge everyone to reduce the risk in traffic and have a driver that has not consumed alcohol.