LUMBERTON, TEXAS — The commercial truck driver arrested on a DWI charge after an 18-wheeler overturned on US 96 in Lumberton has been released from jail on bond, and a probable cause affidavit is now detailing what police said led to the arrest.
Demarcus Bruno, 48, was released from the Hardin County Jail after posting a $5,000 bond.
If convicted of the Class B misdemeanor DWI charge, Bruno could face up to 180 days in jail, a fine of up to $2,000, or both.
18-Wheeler Overturned on US 96
Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins said officers arrested Bruno after the crash Wednesday morning.
The crash happened at about 9:30 a.m. on US 96 South at Lorrie Lane near the post office in Lumberton.
Police said the 18-wheeler overturned and spilled wooden pallets onto the roadway, forcing officers to shut down that area while crews worked to upright the truck and remove the pallets.
The roadway was cleared by about 11:30 a.m.
Bruno was not injured.
Police said Bruno has a Class A commercial driver’s license.
Affidavit Says Driver Appeared Lethargic
According to the probable cause affidavit, Officer Robertson responded at approximately 8:57 a.m. on Aug. 5, 2026, to the area of 650 S. Main in Lumberton for a motor vehicle crash involving an overturned 18-wheeler.
The officer said the 18-wheeler was on its side west of the roadway.
Officer Robertson made contact with the driver, later identified as Bruno.
According to the affidavit, Bruno appeared lethargic, had slow speech, and had red eyes.
Bruno was evaluated and cleared by EMS, but refused further treatment.
Field Sobriety Tests Conducted
The affidavit states that Officer Robertson conducted standardized field sobriety tests, including the horizontal gaze nystagmus test, walk-and-turn test, and one-leg-stand test.
The officer wrote that Bruno performed poorly on the tests.
“Due to Bruno operating a motor vehicle in a public place, his obvious signs of intoxication, and poor performance on the test, Bruno was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated,” the affidavit stated.
Blood Sample Collected
According to the affidavit, Bruno was read the DIC-24, and he consented to provide a blood specimen.
He was taken to Altus Hospital, where hospital staff collected a blood sample and medically cleared him.
Bruno was then transported to the Hardin County Sheriff’s Office jail and released to jail staff.
Background Charges Listed in Public Records
Public data reviewed by KFDM shows Bruno has several prior criminal charges in his background.
Records show he pleaded guilty in a January 2001 Beaumont Police Department case for driving while license suspended and received one year of probation.
Records also show he pleaded guilty to failure to identify in another January 2001 Beaumont Police Department case and received one year of probation.
In a 2002 Beaumont Police Department marijuana possession case, records show Bruno pleaded no contest and received a 90-day suspended sentence.
In a 2021 Beaumont Police Department marijuana possession case, records show he pleaded no contest and received one year of probation.
No additional details about the blood test results or the final cause of the crash were immediately available.
📸 Image(s) used under fair use for news reporting.
