SAN ANTONIO – A 30-year-old man was arrested in connection with a fiery crash and rollover that killed a 76-year-old driver earlier this month.
Dominic Rodriguez is charged with collision involving death, records with the Bexar County Jail show.
San Antonio police said Rodriguez was driving a Ford Bronco that crashed into the back of a Hyundai Santa Cruz at 3 a.m. on March 1 on a ramp connecting southbound Highway 281 to NW Loop 410.
The impact caused the Santa Cruz to crash into a barrier and roll over on its passenger side. The driver of the Santa Cruz, identified by the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office as Eden Nuval, died at the hospital.
Rodriguez fled without rendering aid and before his Bronco became fully engulfed in flames, according to San Antonio police.
An arrest warrant affidavit states Rodriguez’s cell phone was connected to the Bronco and called 911 at the time of the crash.
An automated voice stated the Ford was involved in a crash that involved a maximum speed change of 19 mph, the affidavit states.
Rodriguez’s voice is then heard on the call. He told the 911 dispatcher that he needed help and was located by “281 South Alamo 281,” the affidavit states.
The 911 dispatcher asked if he said “31 South Alamo” and he said yes, the affidavit states.
“At that time, the door is heard being closed and the Defendant stops talking to the call taker,” the affidavit states.
Investigators said the cell phone number and Bronco are registered in Rodriguez’s name.
When questioned by police, Rodriguez “could not provide a reasonable explanation as to how and why his Ford had been crashed,” the affidavit states.
A warrant for his arrest was signed on Saturday. He was booked on Thursday.