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Bond issued for Donna man accused of causing deadly crash in Harlingen

Bond issued for Donna man accused of causing deadly crash in Harlingen
1 week 5 days 1 hour ago Wednesday, July 09 2025 Jul 9, 2025 July 09, 2025 11:50 AM July 09, 2025 in News - Local

The man accused of causing a crash on Expressway 83 in Harlingen and killing one man was arraigned on Wednesday.

Cristobal Stephan Garzez, 28, was charged with intoxication manslaughter, failure to stop and render aid involving death and possession of a controlled substance. His bond was set at $725,000.

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As part of his bond, Garzez must follow certain conditions including not traveling outside the Rio Grande Valley, he must wear an electronic monitoring device and must follow a home curfew.

Garzez was arrested after crashing into a vehicle on the shoulder lane, killing 46-year-old David Zapata.

Garzez allegedly fled from the crash scene but was located nearby and taken into custody.

According to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 5 News, Garzez told law enforcement officers at the scene that he didn't stop when the crash happened because he was "scared."

The complaint said there was blood spatter on the passenger door of Garzez's vehicle. The complaint added that a small white baggy containing 1.26 grams of a white powdery substance was found in Garzez's vehicle.

Garzez also had "constricted pupils," leading the trooper to believe that Garzez was under the influence of narcotics, the complaint states.

"Garzez was eager to provide breath sample was hesitant to provide blood sample," the complaint said, adding that Garzez then consented to having his blood drawn.

READ ALSO: Community reacts after tow truck driver killed in Harlingen crash

The toxicology report was not provided in the complaint.

DPS continues investigating the crash.

Cameron County jail records indicate Garzez remains in custody as of Wednesday afternoon.

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