Man Arrested in Connection with Fatal Rollover Crash in San Antonio

A man has been arrested and charged in connection with a fatal rollover crash that was initially believed to be a single-vehicle accident, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The suspect, identified as John Reyes, 31, was taken into custody and charged with failure to stop and render aid death.

The incident occurred on Saturday just before 2:30 a.m. in the 2500 block of IH-37 near Steves Avenue on the Southeast Side of San Antonio. At the time, authorities responded to what appeared to be a single-vehicle crash involving a southbound pickup truck that lost control and swerved into a light pole. Tragically, the driver was killed when the pole fell onto the highway. The victim has since been identified as Ricardo Garcia, 61, who died from blunt force trauma.

However, new information emerged when an anonymous witness came forward with screenshots from their friend confessing involvement in the crash. Police were able to identify John Reyes as the suspect based on this information and located his home address.

Upon arriving at Reyes' residence, detectives noticed significant front right damage on his Pontiac G6 that matched the crash scene's characteristics. Initially claiming he had crashed into a wall near Loop 410 and Perin Beitel days prior to the incident, Reyes later changed his story stating it happened on Friday—the day before Garcia's death.

Reyes agreed to have his car photographed before providing a voluntary statement at SAPD headquarters. During inspection of his vehicle for evidence collection purposes, investigators noted blue paint chips matching those found at the scene belonging to Garcia's pickup truck.

Eventually confessing his involvement in the IH-37 crash after previously lying about it, Reyes told police that he had been driving with friends when they stopped for drinks at a restaurant earlier in the night. While driving afterward behind another truck that suddenly stopped unexpectedly. He was unable to brake in time resulting in rear-ending it; Reyes admitted to panicking and going home without calling the police or rendering aid.

Reyes' car was seized as evidence, and detectives returned to the crash scene where they found vehicle parts and paint chips that matched his Pontiac G6. As a result of their investigation, Reyes was booked on charges of failure to stop and render aid death.

The arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting accidents promptly and providing assistance when necessary. The San Antonio Police Department continues its efforts to ensure justice for Ricardo Garcia's tragic death while urging all drivers to prioritize safety on the roads.

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