FATALITY MAJOR ACCIDENT

(February 16, 2023): Around 7:28 p.m. on February 15, 2023 Nacogdoches Police responded to the 2800 Block of NE Stallings for a three car major accident. Based upon our preliminary investigation it is believed that a white Jeep Patriot driven by Claudia Luna Villantes, 27 years of age from Nacogdoches, was traveling southbound and was slowing to turn into a private drive. Traveling south behind the Jeep Patriot was a black Jeep Grand Cherokee driven by Griceldo Garcia, 69 years of age from Nacogdoches, who was slowing due to the Jeep turning in front of him. Behind the Jeep Grand Cherokee was a silver Ford F150 being driven by Jerry Chandler, 49 years of age from Nacogdoches, who failed to slow his speed and struck the back of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Cherokee then struck the back of the Jeep Patriot causing it to go off the roadway. Chandler was determined not to be injured from the accident. Based upon probable cause developed during the accident investigation Chandler was found to be intoxicated and placed into custody. The driver of the Jeep Patriot and a 5 year old child sustained what is believed to be minor injuries. Griceldo Garcia along with his wife and their 9 year old grandson were all seriously injured and taken by Ems to the Memorial Hospital. Griceldo was pronounced deceased at the hospital and an autopsy was ordered by JP4. The 9 year old passenger was later flown to Dallas in what is believed to be in stable condition. Personnel from the NPD Traffic Division, Criminal Investigations Division, and Special Operations Division all assisted with the investigation. Jerry Chandler is currently being held at the Nacogdoches County Jail on the charges of Intoxication Assault F-3 X 2 and Intoxication Manslaughter F-2. The Nacogdoches Sheriff’s Office along with the Nacogdoches Constable PCT 3 assisted in shutting down the loop until TxDOT arrived to take over.