Beaumont DUI Driver Indicted Over Crash That Killed Police Officer

The driver responsible for a fatal DUI crash that killed a Beaumont police officer earlier this year has now been indicted. The crash which claimed the life of an officer occurred back in August. The Beaumont DUI driver indicted in the case has been identified as Luis Torres, 18, of Port Arthur.

According to the details released by the Beaumont Police Department, the unfortunate event occurred on the U.S. 69, also known as the Cardinal Drive. Torres was riding a 2006 Ford Mustang at the time. He was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of the road and had the headlights of his vehicle turned off.

A patrol vehicle of the BPD was traveling northbound at the time. As the vehicle reached near the Highway 347 overpass, it was struck head-on by Torres who was in the wrong lane. Two officers with BPD were traveling in the patrol vehicle at the time. These included Sheena Yarbrough aged 23 and Gabriel Fells aged 28.

Both officers sustained injuries in the collision. Yarbrough’s injuries were more critical and she succumbed to them on the scene. She was pronounced deceased once the first responders reached the site of the crash.

Fells also sustained serious bodily injuries. He was rushed to the St. Elizabeth Hospital for further treatment.

Following the crash, Torres was arrested by the authorities. He displayed clear symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. His blood alcohol content was found to be nearly thrice the legal limit at around 296 mg/DL.

Further investigations by the authorities revealed that Torres had been drinking heavily before he took to the road. After being taken into custody, Torres was booked into the Jefferson County jail. A grand jury has now indicted the 18-year-old in connection with the fatal crash. He has been indicted for intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault of a peace officer.

If you’re involved in a wreck, contact our Beaumont car accident attorneys right away.

Source: https://www.panews.com/2020/11/07/pa-man-indicted-for-crash-that-killed-officer/