Local News
Huntsville residents killed in street racing accident
Two young Huntsville residents were killed in Montgomery County Wednesday when their car struck a tree during an illegal street race.
According to Department of Public Safety Sgt. Kenneth Hiebert, Joseph Pueyo, 21, and Antonio Guevara, 19, were traveling on Farm-to-Market Road 149 in a 2000 Infinity when Pueyo lost control of the vehicle.
The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, and both Pueyo and Guevara were killed on impact.
“About two miles north of Montgomery, two cars, including an Infinity and a 2005 Toyota, were racing,” Hiebert said. “They came upon a slower vehicle on a curve which was also a no-passing zone. The area was marked, but both vehicles passed the slow vehicle, and that was when the accident occurred.
“The driver of the Infinity lost control, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree while it was sliding sideways. Both the driver and the passenger were killed on impact.”
The Toyota, occupied by driver Jose Martinez, 21, and Damian Vallez, 20, also left the roadway and hit a group of bushes and a sign.
Neither Martinez nor Vallez received any injuries when their vehicle left the roadway.
“The Toyota just skidded off to the side as it was traveling on the curve,” Hiebert said. “It struck a marker sign and hit some bushes, but no one was injured in that car.”
According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Tim Gage, Martinez was arrested and charged with racing on a highway, while Vallez has not been formally charged.
Gage said the Montgomery County district attorney would be looking into the incident further to determine if Vallez would be facing charges in the future.
“Martinez was arrested [and charged with] racing on a highway,” Hiebert said. “That offense, if it causes serious bodily injury, is a second degree felony.
“Since another person involved was killed, this would be a second degree felony charge.”
According to a representative from the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s office, the punishment for a second degree felony could include confinement for two to 20 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.
Hiebert said alcohol did not appear to be involved in the incident.
Gage will be continuing accident investigations, and additional information will be available as the investigation continues.
- Local News
-
-
A Melodious Pairing
For the first time, two Huntsville choirs will perform in concert.
-
Dispute over public services could be costly
The Walker County Commissioners Court and the City of Huntsville did not reach any agreement on an Interlocal Agreement for Public Safety Services during Monday morning’s regular court meeting, but two fire chiefs said it would be beneficial for the city and county to settle the dispute.
-
HPD issues warning on phone scam
The Huntsville Police Department is warning business owners to be aware of telephone solicitation scams after a scammer contacted a local business owner Monday.
-
Getting In Tune
Seven of the 11 members of the Huntsville Children’s Choir rehearse Monday afternoon at Alpha Omega Academy in preparation for their final concert of the year at 7 p.m. May 17 at First Presbyterian Church.
-
SHSU to host 50th annual jazz festival
The Sam Houston State University Department of Jazz Studies will host the 50th annual Sam Houston State University Jazz Festival this Wednesday and Thursday in the SHSU Lowman Student Center.
-
Closed session items top council agenda
The Huntsville City Council meets at 6 p.m. today at City Hall to tackle a light agenda, but is scheduled to discuss three items in executive session.
-
Off-duty deputy hailed as hero after shootout
DALLAS — An off-duty sheriff’s deputy was hailed as a hero Monday for killing a gunman who was headed into a Walmart in east Texas during a shootout with police and preventing further bloodshed.
-
JFK condolence letters published for 1st time
CONCORD, N.H. — Among the 1.5 million condolence letters sent to President John F. Kennedy’s widow after his assassination in 1963 were more than two dozen from Jane Dryden, a dogged and dramatic 11-year-old who churned out a letter a week for six months straight.
-
The highs and lows of Oscar night
The Oscars are, for me, the biggest television event of the year. Bigger than the Super Bowl, bigger than the NBA finals, bigger even than the season finale of whatever show I’m obsessed with at any particular moment.
-
City to discuss four issues with county
Huntsville City Manager Bill Baine is scheduled to discuss four items with the Walker County Commissioners Court when it meets at 9 a.m. today at the courthouse.
- More Local News Headlines
-
