Juan Ramos-Herrera Killed in Hit-and-Run on S Flores Street in San Antonio, TX
San Antonio, TX — November 19, 2022, 69-year-old pedestrian Juan Ramos-Herrera was hit and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Flores Street in San Antonio.
Authorities say the incident happened around 5:35 p.m. on South Flores at W White Avenue. Preliminary investigation and a witness statement suggest a Toyota 4Runner was southbound in the right lane of Flores when he hit Ramos-Herrera, who was crossing eastward through the roadway. After the impact the driver turned onto White Ave and left without stopping.
Ramos-Herrera was fatally injured in the collision.
No further information is currently available.
Commentary on Juan Ramos-Herrera Accident in San Antonio
Police say the driver fled the scene, but it seems like they were able to find enough evidence to track the Toyota down and charge him. Among those charges appears to be Intoxication Manslaughter, suggesting they believe the driver was under the influence of alcohol when he hit the victim and then fled.
If the blood they drew for testing confirms that, things may be a little more complicated than just charging the runaway driver (important though that is). People aren't always aware that many DWI accidents involve an "accomplice" of sorts that too often gets away with no punishment for its part in the damage done. That's why it's important to talk about Texas dram shop law.
Under dram shop law, a licensed alcohol vendor like a bar, restaurant, club, or store isn't allowed to sell or serve more drinks to an obviously intoxicated customer. If their staff can tell one way or another that someone's past his limits but refill his glass anyway, dram shop law says that business may be liable for any injuries he causes or suffers while excessively impaired.
Not every drunk driving crash starts with a bar illegally over-serving someone, but the source of their drinks is an important detail to find out during a full investigation. Unfortunately I've learned over the years that police rarely prioritize that information, even though it could mean stopping a local business from further endangering its customers and community. If there's potential to make the roads safer AND to help someone's family, isn't that more than enough reason to take the appropriate steps?
