DPS: Police Chase of Truckload of Illegal Migrants Ends in 4 Tragic Deaths in Ozona

OZONA, TX – The initial official report for Monday night's horrific crash in Ozona has been released by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to the Texas DPS, on Mar. 13, 2023 at 8:24 p.m., troopers were dispatched to State Highway 163 and E service road of I-10 near Ozona for the report of a major crash. The intersection goes through the town of Ozona and is also called Ave. E and 15th St.

Prior to the troopers arriving, they were informed that the Crockett County Sheriff's Office was attempting to stop a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 for speeding. The report did not specify where the chase began. 

After arriving on scene, the troopers discovered that the truck had struck a 2019 Ram 1500. Out of the two vehicles, four were killed. San Angelo LIVE! reported yesterday that the two in the 2019 Ram were a grandmother and granddaughter, Maria and Emilia Tambunga.

New information revealed that two additional people died in the crash. The two have been identified as illegal migrants. One was a 45-year-old male from Jalpan De Serra, QRO Mexico and the other was a 42-year-old male from San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, OAK Mexico. It is believed that this was a human smuggling operation gone wrong. Neither of the illegal aliens were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The driver, Russian Comer, 22, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio and is listed in serious condition.

The preliminary investigation indicates law enforcement attempted to stop the 2021 Dodge Ram for a speeding violation. The driver of the 2021 Dodge Ram refused to stop and a vehicle pursuit ensued eastbound on IH-10. The 2019 Dodge Ram was traveling southbound on SH 163. The 2021 Dodge Ram continued eastbound onto the service road of IH-10 at a high rate of speed and the two Rams collided.

The driver of the 2021 Dodge Ram disregarded a red light at the intersection of SH 163 and struck the 2019 Dodge Ram. Both passengers of the 2021 Dodge Ram were pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Angelina Ramos. The driver and passenger of the 2019 Dodge Ram were also pronounced deceased at the scene by Justice of the Peace Angelina Ramos.

At the time of the crash the weather was clear and road conditions were dry. At the location of the crash the speed limit is set at 30 mph.