Docs: Man said he had michelada, Xanax before crash that left two seriously injured

WESLACO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man is facing felony charges after telling police he had several alcoholic beverages and Xanax before a crash in Weslaco that left two hospitalized, documents revealed.

Steven Al Vasquez, of Mercedes, was arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety on two counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury, Hidalgo County Jail records show.

Shortly after midnight on the morning of March 31, two DPS troopers were dispatched to a two-vehicle accident at FM 1015, south of 12 1/2 Mile in Weslaco.

Upon arrival, the trooper saw a white Hyundai Entourage with heavy right front damage, and several occupants still inside. The trooper also saw a blue Ford F150 with heavy front damage. The driver, identified as Vasquez, was still inside, a criminal complaint stated. Vasquez told the trooper he was on his way to pick up his brother from work.

While speaking with Vasquez, the trooper noted that there was an odor of alcohol, and that he had glassy watery eyes and slurred speech, the complaint stated.

The trooper asked if Vasquez had been drinking alcohol, to which Vasquez responded, he drank four 24 oz Budweiser beers. Vasquez was "repetitive and apologetic."

He was transported to Knapp Medical Center, where authorities followed up with him.

"Vasquez confirmed he drank four beers naming Budweiser, Natural Light and a michelada, as well as taking what he claimed to be prescribed Xanax around 6 or 7 p.m.," the complaint stated.

Authorities conducted a field sobriety test, in which they noted seeing all six cues of intoxication.

The right front passenger of the Hyundai sustained serious injuries to her right leg and hip area and was transported to Knapp Medical Center. The right rear passenger sustained a broken femur and was transported to Valley Baptist Medical Center.

Vasquez was booked into the Hidalgo County Jail on Wednesday and his bond was set at $100,000. He remains in jail, as of Thursday, according to jail records.