A 68-year-old driver faces homicide charges after allegedly striking and killing a motorcyclist in Celina, then fleeing the scene without offering aid.
Mario Aguilar was arrested following the Tuesday crash on FM 428 that left 31-year-old Alexander Lopez dead.
Celina police responded to the 15500 block of FM 428 near Creekview Meadows Avenue after reports of a major collision. Officers discovered Lopez unconscious and unresponsive at the scene.
Despite emergency response efforts, Lopez succumbed to his injuries. Witnesses told investigators that a pickup truck driver fled without stopping to help. The vehicle was described as a black Dodge 3500 dually.
Police identified Aguilar as the truck’s driver through witness accounts and investigative work. Officers subsequently arrested him and booked him into custody.
Aguilar now faces charges of criminal negligent homicide and collision involving personal injury or death. The specific circumstances leading to the crash remain under investigation.
In a social media post about the incident, the Celina Police Department issued a reminder to citizens:
Under Texas Transportation Code 550.021, any driver involved in a crash resulting in injury or death is required by law to immediately stop at the scene, check on all parties involved, provide or arrange for medical assistance if needed, and remain at the scene to exchange required personal and vehicle information.
Under Texas Penal Code 19.05, a person commits an offense if they cause the death of another individual through criminal negligence. Criminal negligence occurs when a person fails to recognize or disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that a reasonable person would have perceived under the same circumstances.
“The Celina Police Department extends its heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends that were impacted by this tragic incident,” the department added.
The cause of the accident has not been determined. Investigators continue examining evidence from the scene.
