Dallas, February 6, 2026
A tragic collision occurred in Dallas when a pickup truck ran a red light and struck a sedan, leading to one fatality and multiple serious injuries. The driver, Joel Avalos, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault after his blood alcohol content was found to be 0.26, significantly exceeding the legal limit. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving in Texas and the severe consequences that can result.
Dallas, Texas: Fatal Crash Involving Intoxicated Driver
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Date and Time | February 1, 2026, at approximately 8:25 p.m. |
| Involved Parties | Joel Avalos (driver), three passengers in the sedan |
| Charges Filed | Intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault |
| Victim’s Age | 33 years old |
| Injuries Sustained | One death, two serious injuries (broken pelvis, tibia fractures, internal bleeding) |
| Driver’s BAC | 0.26 (more than three times the legal limit of 0.08) |
| Legal BAC Limit in Texas | 0.08 |
| Penalties for Intoxicated Driving in Texas | Fines, license suspension, imprisonment (depending on severity and prior convictions) |
On February 1, 2026, a fatal collision occurred in Dallas, Texas, when a pickup truck ran a red light and collided with a sedan, resulting in one death and two serious injuries. The driver of the truck, Joel Avalos, 31, was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault after his blood alcohol content (BAC) was found to be 0.26, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08.
Details of the Incident
The crash took place at approximately 8:25 p.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at the intersection of North Hampton Road and Singleton Boulevard. Witnesses reported that Avalos was speeding and ran a red light before striking the side of a white sedan carrying three occupants. All individuals involved were transported to a hospital, where a 33-year-old man later died from his injuries. The other two passengers sustained serious injuries, including a broken pelvis, tibia fractures, and internal bleeding. Avalos also suffered a dislocated hip in the collision.
Legal Proceedings
Following the crash, Avalos initially refused a blood test, prompting police to obtain a warrant for a sample. Medical staff reported his BAC as 0.26. Avalos was arrested around 10:30 p.m. on the same day and charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. As of Thursday, February 5, 2026, he was being held in the Dallas County jail on a bond of $450,000.
Background on Intoxicated Driving in Texas
Intoxicated driving remains a significant issue in Texas. In 2016, Dallas County ranked second in the state for impaired driving fatalities, with an average BAC of 0.16 among drivers involved in fatal crashes. The legal BAC limit for drivers in Texas is 0.08.
Recent Related Incidents
- January 2026: A driver died after fleeing from Grand Prairie police and crashing on I-30. The driver was suspected of being intoxicated at the time of the crash.
- December 2023: Nestor Joel Lujan Flores was sentenced to 15 years in prison for a fatal crash involving a pedestrian. Flores struck and killed a 45-year-old man and continued driving for nearly 40 miles with the victim’s body in his vehicle.
Conclusion
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of impaired driving and the severe consequences it can have on individuals and communities. Authorities continue to enforce strict measures to combat intoxicated driving and promote road safety in Dallas and throughout Texas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
