Lockhart man faces intoxication manslaughter charge after he allegedly strikes pedestrian walking at crosswalk in San Marcos
A 49-year-old woman who was walking in a crosswalk in San Marcos was killed when she was struck by a vehicle on Sunday.
The San Marcos Police Department responded to the incident at 110 E. MLK Dr. at approximately 10:32 p.m. for reports that a driver hit a pedestrian and then fled from the scene.
Officials said SMPD officers located a woman, later identified as Nelda Chancy Peddle, upon arrival. Peddle was pronounced dead at the scene by Hays County Justice of the Peace Maggie Moreno.
Officials said officers located the suspect and his vehicle based on a description provided by witnesses. The suspect was identified as Armando Cubriel Jr., 39, of Lockhart.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Daily Record, a witness allegedly saw Cubriel drive his silver Acura south on Guadalupe Street and strike Peddle. Cubriel then got out of his vehicle and put the bumper that had fallen off his vehicle inside the vehicle. The witness stated that Cubriel did not stop to render aid or call for help. The witness followed Cubriel and led police to his whereabouts at Brite Wash — 419 Linda Dr.
The affidavit stated that Cubriel admitted to officers that he was driving in downtown San Marcos and they noticed that his speech was slurred and the smell of alcohol was present in his breath.
He was arrested for driving while intoxicated and he then refused a blood-alcohol test, the arrest affidavit stated. Cubriel was then transported to CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Hospital - San Marcos. After a search warrant was obtained for Cubriel’s blood, the affidavit stated that an attempt to draw blood was made but Cubriel stated that he wouldn’t let his blood be taken and tightened his arms.
Cubriel was then taken to the Hays County Jail where he faces several charges, including intoxication manslaughter, resisting arrest, accident involving death, tampering with evidence and obstruction retaliation.
Bond has been set for a combined $125,000 for all five charges.
A gofundme has been set up by Peddle’s family.
“As all of you know how much of an impact Nelda Chancy had on every single life she touched, it is with a heavy heart to announce her passing,” Breanna Moore wrote on the gofundme page. “She was walking across a crosswalk when a drunk driver hit her. She was definitely the light of a lot of life and lit up any room she entered … Whatever y’all can would be a blessing!”
The gofundme can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/232vpk-help-bring-the-kids-home
Armando Cubriel Jr., 39
