HAYS COUNTY CRIMINAL DISTRICT
A Hays County man, Manuel Mendoza, Jr., 38, pleaded guilty to four counts of intoxication assault on Dec. 19 and was sentenced to 10 years in prison, according to an announcement by Hays County Criminal District Attorney Kelly Higgins.
Mendoza had previously been convicted of intoxication assault in Hamilton County. The four counts represent the four people injured in the collision.
Mendoza was accused of causing serious bodily injury to four people on the night of June 11, 2023, while operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Mendoza was driving Northbound on IH-35, traveling around 100 miles per hour, when his Kia Sorento collided with one of the victim’s vehicles near Kyle Correctional Center. A third vehicle swerved to avoid the collision and crashed. Mendoza’s blood-alcohol content was over the legal limit, and he was arrested on scene by the Kyle Police Department.
“The victims in this case did not deserve the life-changing tortures inflicted upon them by Mr. Mendoza,” Hays County District Attorney Kelly Higgins stated. “Without the victims’ strength and resolve, our office could not have achieved this result.”
The Hays County District Attorney’s Office recognized the staff at the Kyle Correctional Center, Hays-San Marcos Fire/EMS and KPD for their immediate assistance at the scene.
“Their quick response and the great work of medical staff at multiple local hospitals saved lives,” an official with Hays County stated. “In particular, HCDAO wishes to recognize KPD Corporal Colby Bryant for his thorough and professional investigation of this matter.”
Assistant Criminal District Attorney Cyrus Morgan prosecuted the case.
