Police: Drunk Driver's Blood Alcohol Limit Was 4 Times Legal Limit

BEAUMONT, TX – The Beaumont Police Department has released the booking photo of the suspect charged with killing a 23-year-old police officer and injuring her partner.

Officer Gabriel Fells, 23, and Officer Sheena Yarbrough-Powell, 28, were driving on Highway 69 when they were struck head-on by a drunk driver. The driver was then identified as 18-year-old Luis Fernando Torres.

According to KABB, Torres was transported Thursday afternoon from a hospital to Jefferson County Jail.

According to Chief John Shauberge of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Torres was in processing around 6:00 p.m. He was sent to the infirmary to check his medical condition and then he was fingerprinted and booked.

An affidavit released states that at around the time of the crash Torres’ blood-alcohol content was .296, nearly four times the legal limit of .08.

According to the statement provided by a DPS trooper in the affidavit, "additional information about Torres' activities leading to this event were found on several different media platforms. Torres' own admission to consuming alcohol, and witness testimony all illustrate a night of heavy drinking."

According to DPS, the investigation shows Torres was driving his 2006 Mustang without his headlights on and traveling south in the northbound lane.

According to the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, Torres will be charged with intoxication Manslaughter Causing the Death of a Peace Officer in the death of Officer Yarbrough-Powell.

He will also be charged with Intoxication Assault Causing Serious Bodily Injury to a Peace Officer for the injuries to Officer Fells.

Fells, who was driving the patrol unit, was released from the hospital on Wednesday.

Torres’ bond has been set at a total of $750,000; $500,000 for intoxication manslaughter and $250,000 for the intoxication assault.

If Torres posts bail, he would be required to wear a. GPS ankle monitor and have an ignition interlock device on any vehicle he will drive.

Torres faces the possibility of life in prison if he Is convicted.

Funeral services for Officer Yarbrough-Powel will take place this Saturday at 11 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church on Dowlen near Folsom in Beaumont.