Off-duty El Paso Police officers accused of helping fellow officer cover up hit-and-run crash
Update: Court documents state the alleged crime happened on March 5, 2022. Investigators used surveillance video from Police Headquarters to cross-reference witness testimony.
A woman driving behind Menchaca saw him hit the first car and followed him, getting photos of Menchaca and the paper license plates on his car. She also saw him momentarily get out of his car and throw up.
The second witness was a U.S. Postal worker who was delivering mail in the area when Menchaca allegedly hit his mail truck. The worker also captured photos of Menchaca at the scene.
The postal worker's supervisor arrived at the scene of the crash and tried to get Menchaca to provide him with identification. Menchaca allegedly refused. Both the worker and supervisor were able to pick Menchaca out of a picture lineup.
The court documents state that both vehicles were properly parked when Menchaca allegedly hit them.
Court documents also state that at the time of the crash, investigators suspected Menchaca was drunk.
"Menchaca had been involved in a collision with another vehicle while under the suspicion of driving while being intoxicated," the document reads in part.
Poblano is accused of helping Menchaca return to a bar. Investigators also believe Poblano tried to get Menchaca's car towed for him.
Court documents also state that Mendoza is accused of helping Menchaca get into Poblano's car because he feared Menchaca would be arrested.
"The defendant also contacted the patrol officers who responded to the scene of the accident and asked if they could do a favor for a fellow officer," the documents state.
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Two off-duty El Paso Police officers are accused helping a fellow officer of covering up a hit-and-run crash.
Investigators say Isaac Menchaca, a 2-year and 8-month veteran of the force, was driving on the 3600 block of East Yandell Drive in Central El Paso when he allegedly hit two parked cars. Menchaca is accused of driving away from the scene.
The two other officers, Enrique David Mendoza, a 6-year and 5-month veteran of the force, and Aaron Poblano, a 3-year and 4-month veteran, showed up later to help Menchaca get away from the scene, according to investigators.
Menchaca is charged with Striking an Unattended Vehicle and Accident Involving Damage and was booked on a $2,000 bond.
Mendoza and Poblano are charged with Interference with Public Duties and were each booked on a $1,000 bond.
Investigators say the officers were off duty when this happened. The cases are being reviewed by the District Attorney's Office. All of the officer are now on administrative duty.
The El Paso Police Department takes all misconduct allegations seriously against its personnel and will investigate them accordingly," a spokesperson told ABC-7 in a statement.
