Suspect in Odessa Crash Has Three Prior DWI Convictions

ODESSA, TX — A man with three prior DWI convictions has been arrested in connection with a weekend crash in Central Odessa that left a motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries, police said.

Nathaniel Venegas, 34, is charged with intoxication assault causing serious bodily injury, collision involving personal injury, possession of marijuana between 4 ounces and 5 pounds, and evading arrest or detention.

The crash happened around 2:04 a.m. Aug. 9 at University Boulevard and Andrews Highway when a silver Jeep Commander ran a red light and struck a 35-year-old man riding a motorcycle, according to the Odessa Police Department. The victim was transported to a local hospital before being transported to Lubbock for treatment.

Witnesses reported seeing the driver flee the scene on foot and followed him to the 200 block of Judkins Dr. Officers located Venegas there, but he evaded police before being caught in the 200 block of Barrow Dr.

Police said Venegas was intoxicated and in possession of 4.9 ounces of marijuana at the time of his arrest. He was booked into the Ector County Law Enforcement Center.