El Paso, Texas – Authorities have arrested a man they say caused a violent, fiery crash on Interstate 10 near Geronimo last week that sent three people to the hospital and destroyed a major freeway sign.
Crash Leads to Arrest and Felony Charge
According to the El Paso Police Department, Andres Rubio was arrested on Christmas Eve and charged with intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury. Jail records show Rubio was assigned a $75,000 bond, which he posted the same day he was taken into custody.
Police identified Rubio as the driver responsible for the crash that unfolded on Sunday night, December 21, along I-10 East near Geronimo.
What Happened on I-10 Near Geronimo
Investigators say the crash occurred at around 8:15 p.m. when a truck slammed into multiple vehicles traveling eastbound on Interstate 10. The impact caused the truck to roll off the highway, striking and knocking down a large overhead freeway sign.
After leaving the interstate, the truck landed on Gateway East, where it burst into flames, forcing authorities to shut down the roadway for several hours as crews worked to control the fire and clear debris.
Injuries Reported
Emergency responders transported three people to the hospital following the crash.
- One victim suffered serious injuries, including:
- A severe lower back injury
- A closed head injury
- A lumbar soft tissue hematoma
- Multiple abrasions
- Two other victims were treated for non-life-threatening injuries
Family members of the seriously injured victim have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover medical expenses and recovery-related costs.
Damage to Infrastructure and Cost Estimates
The crash caused extensive damage to state transportation infrastructure. The Texas Department of Transportation confirmed that the overhead sign bridge destroyed in the crash will need to be fully replaced.
TxDOT officials said there is no estimated timeline for installing the new sign because:
- A replacement must be designed
- The area requires structural assessment
- New installation planning is still underway
While the exact replacement cost has not been finalized, TxDOT noted that similar freeway signs typically cost between $250,000 and $350,000.
In addition to the sign itself, total expenses may include:
- Cleanup and debris removal
- Guardrail repairs
- Traffic control during construction
- Removal of damaged structures
TxDOT stated that if the driver is found at fault, the driver or their insurance company would be responsible for covering these costs.
Responsibility for Costs Remains Unclear
El Paso police have not confirmed whether Rubio will be held financially responsible for the replacement of the freeway sign or other damages associated with the crash.
The case remains under investigation as authorities continue reviewing evidence related to the intoxication assault charge.
Conclusion
The Christmas-week arrest follows one of the most destructive crashes on I-10 near Geronimo in recent months, leaving multiple people injured and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. Legal proceedings will determine responsibility as recovery and infrastructure repairs move forward.
If you witnessed the crash or have information relevant to the investigation, authorities encourage you to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below.
