Police have arrested a likely illegal alien after a crash seriously injured an off-duty Krugerville police officer Monday morning, shutting down the highway.
Off-duty Krugerville Police Officer William Tinkle was driving home on Highway 377 the morning of July 14, when another vehicle pulled out in front of him, the Krugerville Police Department posted to Facebook. The crash gave him “serious injuries,” and he now “faces a lengthy recovery process.”
Police arrested Carlos Daniel Torres Elizondo, a 34-year-old Aubrey resident, for “intoxication assault with vehicle causing serious bodily injury,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Public Information Sgt. Josue De La Cerda to The Dallas Express. State troopers arrested Elizondo the same day of his arrest, according to jail records, and he is being held for ICE.
The collision took place near Arvin Hill Road, just south of Krugerville, according to the Aubrey Police Department.
Elizondo was traveling east on Arvin Hill Road when he “failed to yield the right of way at a stop sign” to a Chevy Silverado traveling south on Highway 377, according to De La Cerda. Krugerville police posted that Tinkle was “commuting home” in his personal vehicle at the time.
The crash shut down the highway in both directions “for an extended period of time” until police cleared the scene at 8:30 a.m., according to Aubrey police.
Texas DPS is investigating the case, so Krugerville police directed all inquiries to the agency. De La Cerda said the agency will submit its investigation to the Denton County District Attorney’s office for “prosecution.”
The Denton Police Department wished Tinkle well on Facebook.
“Our hearts go out to Krugerville PD Officer W. Tinkle while he heals from a serious off-duty crash,” the department posted. “Officer Tinkle, we wish you a speedy recovery!”
Krugerville police thanked first responders and citizens who stopped at the scene to help, and those who “continue to assist our officer and agency during this time.”
“We sincerely appreciate all the thoughts and prayers for our officer.”
The Krugerville Police Department has provided a link to a GoFundMe page set up for those interested in making a contribution to help cover the medical costs associated with Officer Tinkle’s condition following his accident. The link can be found here.