18-year-old killed in Springdale wreck

Driver charged with negligent homicide

Monday, August 11, 2014

An 18-year-old was killed early Monday morning when the vehicle he was riding in flipped several times near Meadow Avenue and Commercial Street in Springdale, according to a news release from the Springdale Police Department.

The man killed was identified as Eliseo Landa-Zamora. Gustavo Escalante, 20, was driving the 2005 Chevrolet Trailblazer when he lost control, according to the news release. Five people were in the vehicle, and at least two were ejected.

Escalante will be charged with negligent homicide and second-degree battery, according to a preliminary report from the prosecuting attorney.

A test showed that Escalante had a blood-alcohol level of 0.11. Intoxication is presumed at 0.08, and Escalente "stated that he was definitely 'buzzed' while he was driving," according to the report.

A woman taken to Washington Regional Medical Center with serious injuries, and two other passengers fled the scene, according to the news release, The report stated that it was unknown whether the woman would survive.

Escalante was wearing a seatbelt and had only minor injuries.