ROGERS, Texas — A suspect has been identified as the driver in a hit and run crash that happened in Milam on Tuesday. The DPS is currently in the process of requesting a warrant be put on the suspect.
The area is a construction zone and the crash happened at the underpass between Buckholts and Rogers.
Texas DPS says the crash involved a pickup truck towing two vehicles traveling east on US 190 and a single cab pickup traveling west on US 190.
According to the family of 50-year-old Juan Martinez, the pickup towing the cars was driving around the curve fast as Martinez was also making the curve in the opposite direction. The cars the pickup was towing allegedly fell off the trailer, landing on Martinez's car.
Martinez was medically evacuated by helicopter to Baylor Scott & White in Temple. He was reportedly left in critical condition.
Texas DPS said the driver of the other vehicle didn't stop.
"We are currently working on locating the suspect," the department told 6 News.
Martinez is a father who almost lost his life as he was heading home from work.
"He's a hardworking man," Britney Yearian, Martinez's daughter-in-law, said. "He tries to take care of his family as much as he can."
Yearian says the suspect was going 60 mph around the curve.
"The vehicles flew off the big truck trailer and flew in my father-in-law's and crushed his vehicle," Yearian said. "Crushed it pretty bad."
Martinez's family tells 6 News his intestines were hanging out after the accident.
"He went into surgery that night," Yearian said. "Then went into surgery the next morning."
It was a call that left the family heartbroken.
"It's hitting us hard," Yearian said. "It's tearing us apart."
What hurts this family more is the fact the other driver never stopped.
"He took off," Yearian added. "He knew it happened and still kept going. I wish he would turn himself in and admit it... instead of leaving."
Yearian says her father-in-law can't move other than nod his head.
"It is going to be a long recovery until he is better," Yearian said. "They're saying that possibly he's going to need help the rest of his life."
"He's banged up pretty good," Martinez's son, Wayne Martinez, said.
The family will continue to fight and search for answers. They're asking for those in Rogers to search on security cameras for car haulers that went through the area.
TxDOT Public Information Officer Jeffrey Williford sent the following statement to 6 News about the status of construction on the stretch of road:
"According to our area office, the contractor executing the US 190 widening/Rogers relief route project was declared in default of their contract with TxDOT. TxDOT is currently working with the contractor’s bonding company to ensure the project is ultimately completed. A timeline as to when the contractor will be replaced is currently undetermined."
The project first started in June 2020.
As for the driver who left the scene, you can contact DPS or the Milam County Sheriff's Office if you have information that could help them.
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