Former El Paso City Rep. ‘in total disbelief’ after brother crashes truck into home
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- On January 5, a truck driven by Carlos Molinar crashed into a Northeast El Paso home. Now, Carlos Molinar's brother, former El Paso City Rep. Joe Molinar, is confirming to ABC-7 that he went to the house that evening. Joe Molinar tells ABC-7 that he went to the scene out of concern for his brother.
ABC-7 reached out to Joe Molinar by phone after family members of the homeowner, who was injured in the incident, told ABC-7 that they spotted Joe Molinar at the house that night. Joe Molinar gave ABC-7 a statement over the phone Thursday morning. He said his priority is the injured homeowner. Read the statement in full below:
“Out of concern for my brother, I went to the scene. In total disbelief, I took one or two pictures and then left. The priority is not my brother or the house—the priority is the woman.”
Former City Rep. Joe Molinar
The house, located at Sun Valley Dr. and Sharp Dr., was damaged when Carlos Molinar's truck broke through an exterior wall. The homeowner's family gave ABC-7 surveillance footage showing the truck crashing through the wall and debris falling on the homeowner as she was going to bed.
On Wednesday, police confirmed to ABC-7 that charges have been filed in this case. No arrests have been made as of Wednesday. ABC-7 obtained the police report, which lists Carlos Molinar as the driver of the car that crashed into the house.
The police report lists "Intoxicated- Alcohol," as a "factor" in this incident. The police report did not provide any additional details.
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) says it has begun an investigation into the crash. The investigation is seeking to determine if any TABC-licensed businesses are connected to the crash. A TABC spokesperson says that no specific businesses have been identified as yet. Read the TABC's full statement to ABC-7 below:
"TABC has begun an investigation into the crash which took place. At present, our investigation is seeking to determine if any TABC-licensed businesses are connected to the crash. No specific businesses have been identified as yet, but we’ll keep you posted if that changes."
Chris Porter
Director of Communications
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission
