Wrong Way Driver Causes Crash

Corpus Christi Police Department

CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS (News Release) - On Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 5:06am, officers were dispatched to the 12500 block of IH-37 northbound in reference to a major traffic crash involving a wrong way driver.

34-year-old Erick Vela.

Officers arrived and located a multi-vehicle crash involving four vehicles, including a tractor trailer. Officers determined that the driver of a black pickup was traveling southbound on IH-37 in the northbound lanes of travel and caused the crash. Medics transported three subjects to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Officers closed the highway for an extended period of time due to a fuel spill. HAZMAT crews were called to the scene to assist.

Officers determined that the wrong way driver, 34-year-old Erick Vela, displayed signs of intoxication, and he was arrested for driving while intoxicated. After he was medically cleared at a local hospital, he was transported to the City Detention Center for booking.