In a hit-and-run incident that occurred on the evening of July 8, 2023, a suspect has been apprehended and charged with Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) as a second offense. The incident took place at approximately 5:30 pm in the area of SH 11 at FM 69 in Hopkins County, Texas, prompting the response of a DPS Trooper.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspect vehicle involved in the hit-and-run was identified as a white Chevrolet Tahoe with significant front-end damage. Shortly after the incident, the vehicle was spotted at the intersection of Lynch St and 6th St in Como by a witness who promptly alerted authorities.
Responding to the call, the DPS Trooper arrived at the scene and discovered a white Chevrolet Tahoe parked behind a residence near the tree line. In the driveway, a Hispanic male, later identified as Juan R Gutierrez, was engaged in a conversation with a Hopkins County Sheriff's Office Texas Deputy. Upon closer inspection, the Trooper observed that the vehicle matched the description of the suspect vehicle and exhibited noticeable front-end damage.
While interacting with Gutierrez, the Trooper detected signs and indicators of intoxication. However, Gutierrez was uncooperative, claiming that he had been at the house throughout the day and denying any involvement in driving the vehicle. He professed ignorance about the identity of the driver responsible for the hit-and-run.
Another individual present at the scene, identified as a male passenger in the white Tahoe, provided conflicting information. The passenger stated that Gutierrez was indeed the driver of the vehicle, explaining that he had left a party venue in Como due to feeling unwell.
Subsequently, the Trooper placed Gutierrez under arrest on suspicion of DWI. He was then transported to the Hopkins County jail for processing. During the arrest, Gutierrez underwent Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) testing, which revealed clues of intoxication. However, Gutierrez refused to cooperate further and declined to undergo additional testing.
In an effort to gather evidence, the Trooper read Gutierrez the DIC-24 DWI Statutory Warning and requested a blood specimen. In response, Gutierrez repeatedly directed expletives towards the Trooper. As a result, a blood search warrant was obtained, allowing authorities to collect a specimen at Christus Mother Frances Hospital.
Juan R Gutierrez, a 42-year-old resident of Como, Texas, has been booked into the Hopkins County Jail on a charge of DWI as a second offense. The investigation into the hit-and-run incident is ongoing, with law enforcement authorities working to gather additional evidence and determine the full extent of Gutierrez's involvement in the incident.
