Intoxicated Teen Charged With Manslaughter In Fatal Crash

SAN ANTONIO, TX – An 18-year-old driver is facing serious charges after police say she struck a woman at a bus stop and then fled the scene.

According to the San Antonio Police Department, Melanie Mariah Gaiton was speeding eastbound in a black Chevrolet sedan on Culbera Rd. when she attempted to pass another vehicle using the center turn lane.

Gaiton then drove onto the westbound lanes, struck the curb, and drove onto the sidewalk.

The driver ended up sticking 29-year-old Monique Rodriquez who was sitting at a VIA bus stop bench just before 7:00 a.m.

After sticking the victim with her vehicle, Gaiton continued driving on the sidewalk until she struck a fence. She would hit multiple signs and objects in her path of destruction.

Gaiton then fled the scene with the passenger, who was her boyfriend.

She was eventually arrested a few blocks away from the scene and authorities determined she was intoxicated at the time of the crash.

Gaiton was charged with intoxication manslaughter and failure to stop and render aid resulting in death. Her bond was set at $180,000.

The passenger, that has not been identified, was charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon and possession.