EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Sources close to the matter confirm to KTSM 9 News that the driver of the truck that crashed into a home, injuring an elderly woman, is Carlos Alfonzo Molinar.
KTSM reached out to the El Paso Police Department requesting the name of the suspected driver; however, police did not release the individual’s identity. Instead, officials confirmed that charges have been filed in the case and provided a case number. On Wednesday, reporter Jesus Baltazar went to the police station, where officials said the report was not yet ready for release.
According to KTSM sources, the driver is a relative of Joe Molinar, a former city councilman and police officer who was previously a defendant in a case accusing him of striking an unattended vehicle. That case was recently dismissed. Multiple calls placed to Joe Molinar on Wednesday went unanswered.
Case against former city Rep. Joe Molinar dismissed
The family of the injured grandmother said someone was present at the scene Sunday evening, taking photos.
“Knowing that an ex-police officer and former city representative came onto the property, told me he had a vested interest, and began taking photos and recording—then left quickly when we tried to contact officers inside the home—that’s very concerning,” said Jesus Figueroa, the grandson of the woman injured in the crash.
Charges filed after truck plows into Grandmother’s bedroom
As KTSM has previously reported, shortly after 6:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, a truck smashed into a home near the intersection of Sun Valley and Sharp Drive.
In a dramatic video obtained by KTSM, the truck is seen plowing into the side of a home, entering an 88-year-old woman’s bedroom. A portion of the roof and other debris are seen falling on top of her.
First responders are then seen rescuing the woman. You can hear the woman screaming, and someone else in the home exclaimed, “She is alive.” The video was provided by Serene Gomez, the granddaughter of the woman.
In another video obtained by KTSM, the driver of the truck can be seen leaving a bar, entering his truck and driving off, almost hitting another vehicle before smashing into a rock wall and entering the woman’s bedroom.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has opened an investigation into Larry O’s Lounge, where the family alleges Molinar went to before the crash. It’s important to note, the bar is located across the street from the 88-year-old woman’s home.
El Paso Police also told KTSM on Wednesday that no arrests in this case have been made. KTSM 9 News reporter Jesus Baltazar went to the police station, where officials said they would call him when the report was ready. As of Wednesday evening, Baltazar has not been notified.
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