HARLINGEN, TEXAS — A Cameron County judge dismissed all charges against the man accused of striking and killing a tow truck driver on Interstate Highway 2 in July 2025, according to Cameron County court records. The reason for the dismissal was not identified in court documents.
On February 25, 2025, the State filed a motion to dismiss the indictment against Cristobal Stephan Garzez, 28. Judicial Officer Adolfo E. Cordova Jr. approved the dismissal of manslaughter, collision involving death, and possession of a controlled substance of less than one gram. As of March 21, 2026, Garzez remains registered in Cameron County inmate records.
Cristobal Stephan Garzez
What Happened on July 8, 2025
Just after 5 p.m. on July 8, 2025, tow truck driver David Zapata, 46, was standing behind his 2010 Black Hino tow truck on the shoulder of IH-2 east of FM 506. He was securing another vehicle to the tow truck. Garzez was driving a Dodge Ram 1500 westbound on IH-2. He rammed into the back of the tow truck, striking Zapata. Zapata died at the scene, according to a probable cause affidavit.
David Zapata
After the crash, Garzez did not stop. He kept driving. Blood splatter covered his vehicle from the front passenger door to the end of the truck bed, according to the affidavit. Troopers located him shortly after on West Frontage Road, north of Beddos Road.
Authorities found a white powdery substance in his truck. When asked why he did not stop, Garzez said he was scared, according to court documents. Troopers conducted a field sobriety test at the time of his arrest. They did not believe he had been drinking, but his eyes showed constricted pupils. “Garzez was eager to provide a breath sample but was hesitant to provide a blood sample,” the affidavit stated.
On September 17, 2025, a grand jury indicted Garzez on all three charges. He pleaded not guilty on November 4, 2025. The State then filed its motion to dismiss on February 25, 2026. Court records do not explain the reason for the dismissal.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
Leave a Reply