Texas Tow Operator Struck and Killed on Expressway

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A tow operator died after being struck while loading a disabled vehicle Tuesday, July 8, on Interstate 2 in Harlingen, Texas.

Officials say operator David Zapata, 46, was on the shoulder at approximately 5 p.m. securing a vehicle to a flatbed tow truck when a Dodge Ram driven by Cristobal Stephan Garzez, 28, failed to slow down or move over and struck him. Zapata died at the scene.

Garzez left the scene, but was found near the crash site.

Garzez was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter, failure to slow down, causing death, failure to stop and render aid, and possession of a controlled substance, stated a release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The crash is under further investigation.