A crash in Midland left one woman dead and another man facing felony charges. According to Midland Police, the collision occurred around 12:44 a.m. on Saturday on North Midland Drive. A 1999 Jeep Wrangler, driven by 32-year-old Chloe Whitehead, was stopped at a red light when it was allegedly rear-ended by a 2017 Ford F-250. Whitehead died at the scene. The driver of the Ford, 40-year-old Gilbert Perez, was reportedly arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. Police said their investigation is still ongoing.
When I hear about a fatal crash in the early morning hours with allegations of intoxication, I immediately think about where the driver was coming from and whether alcohol service played a role. That’s why in cases like this, a full investigation has to look not just at the crash itself, but also at what happened before the driver ever got behind the wheel.
Could a Bar or Alcohol Provider Be Liable?
Under Texas dram shop law, alcohol providers can be held accountable if they serve someone who is obviously intoxicated to the point that they pose a clear danger to themselves or others. If investigators find that the driver of the Ford had been drinking at a bar, restaurant, or similar establishment before the wreck, it will be important to determine whether he was showing visible signs of intoxication when served. Witness statements, security video, and receipts may all help establish whether a provider contributed to him being on the road in that condition.
What Evidence Needs to Be Reviewed?
A case like this requires more than just field sobriety or toxicology results. Investigators should seek bar tabs, credit card records, and surveillance video showing the driver’s condition before leaving any establishment. Interviews with staff and patrons may reveal whether he appeared impaired while ordering drinks. On the crash side, investigators should examine crash scene evidence, including speed, braking, and skid marks, to confirm how the collision occurred. Together, these pieces help show whether the crash was solely due to driver decisions or if an alcohol provider also played a role.
Why Full Investigation Is Crucial
When someone loses their life because of an alleged drunk driver, the arrest is only the beginning. It’s just as important to ask how the accused driver ended up on the road allegedly impaired and whether a business contributed by serving him alcohol when they shouldn’t have. In my experience, only a complete investigation into both the crash and the hours leading up to it gives those affected the answers they need and ensures that accountability is placed where it belongs.