New Braunfels, Texas — On today’s date (01-15-17), at approximately 9:10am, the New Braunfels Police Department responded to the 500 block of South Union Avenue for reports of a single vehicle accident. Once on scene, officers discovered that the driver of a red Toyota Camry had lost control of the vehicle and had crashed into a natural gas line hub and a utility pole. The driver and passenger from the vehicle were uninjured in the crash and fled the scene on foot. A search of the area by police officers led to their arrest.
The driver of the vehicle has been identified as a 27-year old female from New Braunfels. She was taken to the Comal County Jail and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance, enhanced Driving While License Invalid, and Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility. The passenger has been identified as a 26-year old female from New Braunfels. She was taken to the Comal County Jail and charged with Possession of Marijuana. Further charges stemming from the crash may be pending.
The natural gas leak caused by the crash prompted the evacuation of two nearby homes, and CenterPoint Energy crews remain on scene. They estimate that the work to fully fix the gas leak will cause that portion of South Union Avenue (from Mather Street to Lincoln Street) to be closed to all traffic for the next several hours. Another release will be issued once that closure has been lifted.
UPDATE:
The two arrestees from Sunday’s incident are:
27-year old Jessica Cantu of New Braunfels who was charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance (PG 1 >=1G<4G), enhanced Driving While License Invalid, and Prohibited Substance in a Correctional Facility.
26-year old Elizabeth Espinoza of San Marcos who was charged with Possession of Marijuana.
Further charges stemming from the crash may be pending. The portion of South Union Avenue that was closed for the repair of gas lines was partially reopened to traffic around 3:45 Sunday afternoon, which means the full closure was in effect for approximately 6½ hours.