A man who crashed his SUV into a truck and then flew off an overpass in La Porte, Texas, on Wednesday has been charged with intoxication assault.
Drunk Driver Sails Off Overpass After Trying To Pass Truck
Dalen Paul, 22, tried to pass a truck on Highway 225 at the same time that the truck was trying to exit toward Highway 146 south. Paul tried to pass the truck on the left, then switched lanes too quickly to try and make his exit and hit a concrete retaining wall, sending his SUV sailing into the air. The SUV struck the cab of a truck, knocking the driver unconscious and taking off the air foil and part of the roof. The SUV fell over the retaining wall and fell 20 feet to the ground, landing on the rear bumper. Paul was able to crawl out of the SUV and walk away from the crash.
Truck Driver Knocked Unconcious While Truck Kept Rolling
After the truck driver was knocked out by the crash, his truck continued along the ramp toward Highway 146 southbound, swerving and hitting retaining walls on both sides. The truck finally stopped about a tenth of a mile from where it was struck.
Paul was taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The truck driver who was hit also survived with more severe injuries. He sustained significant abdominal injuries and was immediately rushed to the operating room. He is expected to survive.
After being released from the hospital, Paul was taken into custody. Police say his blood alcohol level was 0.343.
It took crews nearly 8 hours to clean up the crash site.
Paul’s bond has increased from $10,000 to $30,000. He faces felony charges.
Sources:
Click 2 Houston
KHOU