HARLINGEN, Texas — A tow truck operator was killed Tuesday when a driver struck him while he worked on the shoulder of Expressway 83.
David Zapata, 46, of Mercedes, was securing a vehicle onto his tow truck around 5 p.m. in the westbound lanes near Bass Boulevard when the crash occurred, the Texas Department of Public Safety reported.
A white Dodge Ram driven by a 28-year-old Donna man failed to slow down and struck Zapata, killing him. The driver fled the scene but authorities located him near the crash site.
Police arrested Cristobal Stephan Garzez and booked him into Cameron County jail. He faces charges of intoxication manslaughter, failure to slow down or move over causing death, failure to stop and render aid, and possession of a controlled substance.
DPS continues to investigate the incident.
