SAN ANTONIO -- An 11-year-old boy died following a three-vehicle crash, caused by a suspected drunk driver Monday morning. The driver accused of causing the crash is now charged with intoxication manslaughter.
The accident happened at about 8:00 a.m. in the 4200 block of Southwest Military Dr. Police said 27-year-old John Albert Hernandez was driving a Ford Taurus heading east when he crashed into the back of a Chevrolet truck as he tried to change lanes. The impact caused the driver of the truck to lose control, and the truck veered into oncoming traffic and collided with an Oldsmobile Silhouette minivan. The truck then rolled over several times.
A boy inside the truck, 11-year-old Bryan Barrientos, was severely injured. He was taken by AirLife to University Hospital where he died a short time later. Enrique Barrientos said his wife, Maria, was taking their four children to a doctor's appointment. He said 9-year-old Tanya, a 7-year-old Karen and 2-year-old Luis are in stable condition at University Hospital.
Enrique Barrientos said the children had the day off from school because of the holiday. He said the younger children did not know that their older brother had died.
The 31-year-old man driving the minivan was taken to San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC). He was said to be in serious condition.
Police say Hernandez showed signs of intoxication at the scene. His blood was drawn and investigators were waiting for the results. He was later arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Hernandez denied being drunk and apologized to the family as he was lead out of the police station in handcuffs.
"I'm sorry about it. I'm real sorry about it. It was an accident," he said.
