Man faces intoxication manslaughter charge after deadly wrong-way crash on Loop 375

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A 25-year-old man from San Elizario faces an intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle charge after a crash killed a 71-year-old man on the Loop 375 Friday, police said.

According to an arrest affidavit ABC-7 obtained, Julian Lujan allegedly drove his truck the wrong way while intoxicated. Documents said the truck is registered under Lujan's name.

On Friday at 4:51 a.m., El Paso police officers went to the ramp that connects I-10 East and Loop 375 for a reported crash.

Police alleged Lujan drove the wrong way on Loop 375 going north and crashed head-on into Alberto Gonzalez Juarez' car.

A witness helped Lujan out of his truck, which was upside down, according to documents. Documents said Lujan told the witness he "messed up" and "should've known better since he was a first responder."

Emergency crews transported Gonzalez Juarez to the hospital, where he died from his injuries, police said.

Two officers met with Lujan and noticed he showed signs of intoxication, documents said. Investigators wrote Lujan had an alcoholic beverage smell on his breath and poor balance.

Lujan allegedly refused to do a field sobriety test, documents said. Officers then arrested and transported him for further investigation.

During questioning, Lujan allegedly told police he was driving home from work, according to documents. When an officer asked him if he knew which road he drove, Lujan allegedly said he didn't know.

The officer said Lujan slurred his speech as he spoke, smelled of alcohol and had red, bloodshot eyes, documents said. He also allegedly said he didn't know if anyone else was in the truck with him when the crash happened. Documents said he later said he was the only one in the truck.

Lujan allegedly "refused to admit to any drinking," documents said. He also allegedly said he would "do whatever the officers needed him to do."

When an officer asked Lujan about giving a breath sample, he allegedly refused, documents said. After the officer explained how blood and breath samples work, Lujan agreed to provide a breath sample.

Documents said authorities sent Lujan to a hospital for medical clearance then sent to the El Paso Police Department headquarters. There, he allegedly admitted to drinking two medium-sized Carta Blanca beers at a local bar and driving the truck at the time of the crash.

Police said the crash marked the 36th traffic death this year compared to 37 at this time last year.

ABC-7 reached out to police for Lujan's mugshot.