The Pass.- A 32-year-old man has been charged in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident that occurred early Monday, September 30, in east El Paso.
Rene Martinez faces charges of aggravated assault causing serious bodily injury and assault on a pregnant person, after he allegedly ran over Juan Flores Jr., 23, who his family said died at a hospital from his injuries, and later attacked his pregnant girlfriend after being confronted about his suspicions about her involvement in the incident.
The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) reported that the incident occurred around 2:20 am in the 1400 block of North Zaragoza. According to arrest documents, police obtained surveillance footage from around Taco Tote, which showed two groups of people fighting in the parking lot. Three of them walked toward a black Ford Fusion, while five others apparently threw a rock at the vehicle. The documents suggest both groups were preparing to fight before the Fusion fled the scene, but then turned around and accelerated toward the group.
Authorities allege that the driver of the Fusion, identified as Martinez, hit Flores, who was thrown onto the hood of the car and attempted to hold on before falling to the pavement and hitting his head. Flores was taken to Del Sol Medical Center with severe head trauma, where, according to the victim’s family, he died later that same day.
Hours later, around 8 a.m., a pregnant woman showed up at Fire Station 6, near Montwood High School, to report that she had been assaulted by her boyfriend, identified as Martínez. The woman, who is 37 weeks pregnant, said she confronted Martinez when he came home late and intoxicated. He claimed to have taken Xanax and denied ever leaving the house.
The woman attempted to take Martinez’s phone, at which point he allegedly kicked her in the stomach and punched her. Reviewing text messages, she found evidence that Martinez had been involved in an accident, including a message warning him not to take the Fusion out of the garage because police were looking for it following a social media report linking the vehicle to an accident. mortal.
The woman went to the nearest fire station, where she was taken to the hospital to receive treatment for her injuries.
In the statement, Martínez admitted to police that he drove the vehicle that struck Flores, noting that he initially got out of the car to check on the victim, but fled the scene out of fear.
Martinez is currently in the El Paso County Detention Center, with bail amounting to more than $371,000. Authorities have not yet clarified whether he will face additional charges due to Flores’ death.
EPPD has not identified the other individuals involved in the initial fight or confirmed whether more charges will be filed. Anyone with information about the case can contact EPPD at (915) 832-4400, or anonymously El Paso Crime Stoppers at (915) 566-TIPS (8477), to be eligible for a cash reward.
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