Springdale Man Faces Negligent Homicide Charges

SPRINGDALE -- A Springdale man faces negligent homicide charges after flipping his TrailBlazer early Monday, according to police.

Eliseo Landa-Zamora, 18, died after being ejected from the vehicle, said Lt. Derek Hudson, public information officer with the Springdale Police Department.

Another passenger, Ruth Figuerero, was taken to Northwest Medical Center-Springdale, and then to Washington Regional Medical Center, according to the news release. Police did not provide her age or address.

"It is unknown at this time if she will survive her injuries," according to the news release.

Gustavo Escalante, 20, of 580 E. Randall Wobbe Lane Apt. 10-104 said he was driving the vehicle, and was arrested in connection with driving while intoxicated about 4 a.m., according to the arrest report. He was not injured.

Escalante said he had been drinking, Hudson said. "He blew a .11 which was well over the legal limit."

Escalante said he was smoking marijuana within the past 24 hours, according to the report. He told police he shouldn't have been driving and lost control of the vehicle, according to the report.

Escalante faces additional charges of second-degree battery, according to an arrest report.

The charges, Hudson said, were enhanced, "Due to the fact he was intoxicated and caused the death of a young man ... and serious injuries to a young woman fighting for her life."

Two other passengers were in the vehicle and fled after the accident, according to the news release. One sought treatment at Northwest Medical Center, according to the news release. Police did not release the names of the two who fled.

The wreck happened near the railroad tracks at East Meadow Avenue and South Commercial Street.

"All of the families have been notified," Hudson said.

NW News on 08/12/2014

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