San Antonio, November 27, 2025
A tragic crash on Interstate 35 in San Antonio resulted in the deaths of five individuals and numerous injuries. 19-year-old Ethan Gonzales has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of manslaughter and hit-and-run after driving a stolen Camaro at high speeds, leading to a collision with a bus. This incident highlights the dangers associated with vehicle theft and reckless driving, deeply impacting the local community.
San Antonio, Texas
Teen Arrested in Fatal I-35 Crash Involving Stolen Camaro
San Antonio police have arrested 19-year-old Ethan Gonzales, charging him with five counts of manslaughter and five counts of hit-and-run resulting in death. This follows a tragic incident on July 17, 2025, where a stolen Chevrolet Camaro, driven by Gonzales, collided with a bus on Interstate 35, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries.
Details of the Incident
The crash occurred around 2:45 p.m. on July 17, 2025, near Cassin Road on the southbound lanes of I-35. The stolen Camaro was traveling at high speeds, estimated at 105 mph, when it struck a trailer attached to a bus. This collision caused the bus to lose control, hit a guardrail, and subsequently be struck by an 18-wheeler, leading to the bus rolling onto its side. Several passengers were ejected during the incident. Four individuals, including one reportedly armed with an assault rifle, fled the scene on foot. Two people died at the scene, and three others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Additionally, 21 people were injured, with eight sustaining life-threatening injuries and 13 with minor injuries. The victims ranged in age from children to senior adults.
Investigation and Arrests
Following the crash, San Antonio Crime Stoppers offered a reward for information leading to the identification and arrest of the suspects who fled the scene. In August 2025, two men, Eric Rene Perez, 21, and Matthew Andres Espinoza, 18, were arrested and charged with burglary of vehicles and other offenses related to the stolen Camaro. Surveillance footage had shown them using the stolen vehicle to break into other cars just days before the crash.
On November 26, 2025, San Antonio police arrested Ethan Gonzales, the driver of the stolen Camaro involved in the crash. He has been charged with five counts of manslaughter and five counts of hit-and-run resulting in death. Additional felony charges are pending. The three other passengers in the Camaro at the time of the crash have also been arrested on separate charges.
Background Context
The July 17 crash was a devastating event for the San Antonio community, highlighting the dangers of high-speed driving and the consequences of vehicle theft. The incident led to the loss of five lives and left numerous individuals injured. The swift actions of law enforcement and the community’s assistance were instrumental in the investigation and subsequent arrests. The case underscores the importance of public cooperation in addressing and preventing such tragedies.
FAQ
What happened in the July 17, 2025, crash on I-35 in San Antonio?
The crash involved a stolen Chevrolet Camaro driven by 19-year-old Ethan Gonzales, which collided with a bus on I-35, resulting in five fatalities and numerous injuries.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The victims ranged in age from children to senior adults. Two people died at the scene, and three others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. Additionally, 21 people were injured, with eight sustaining life-threatening injuries and 13 with minor injuries.
What charges have been filed in connection with the crash?
19-year-old Ethan Gonzales has been charged with five counts of manslaughter and five counts of hit-and-run resulting in death. Additional felony charges are pending. Two other individuals, Eric Rene Perez and Matthew Andres Espinoza, have been arrested and charged with burglary of vehicles and other offenses related to the stolen Camaro.
What is the current status of the investigation?
As of November 26, 2025, Ethan Gonzales has been arrested and charged. The three other passengers in the Camaro at the time of the crash have also been arrested on separate charges. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to seek information from the public to locate any additional suspects who may have been involved.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Southbound lanes of I-35 near Cassin Road, San Antonio, Texas |
| Date and Time | July 17, 2025, around 2:45 p.m. |
| Vehicles Involved | Stolen Chevrolet Camaro, bus towing a trailer, 18-wheeler |
| Fatalities | Five people |
| Injuries | 21 people, with eight sustaining life-threatening injuries and 13 with minor injuries |
| Suspects Arrested | Ethan Gonzales (driver), Eric Rene Perez, Matthew Andres Espinoza |
| Charges | Gonzales: Five counts of manslaughter, five counts of hit-and-run resulting in death; Perez and Espinoza: Burglary of vehicles and other offenses |
Now Happening on X
- @KENS5 (November 27, 2025, 2:45 AM) A man is in critical condition after a shooting west of downtown San Antonio that stemmed from a dispute between two groups, according to police. View on X
- @ExpressNews (November 25, 2025, 12:40 AM) San Antonio police arrested a man following a suspected drunken crash that killed a pedestrian on the South Side. View on X
- @ExpressNews (November 25, 2025, 12:15 AM) Recent updates include a Haitian coup plot hatched in Texas, a bond modification for a Holy Cross teacher, and Guns N’ Roses returning to San Antonio. View on X
- @mytexasdaily (November 24, 2025, 11:38 AM) A motorcycle accident claimed one life, while robbery and fire incidents are under investigation in San Antonio. View on X
- @BexarBrief (November 24, 2025, 7:18 PM) San Antonio police made a naked arrest following a brazen jewelry heist in the city. View on X
- @ExpressNews (November 22, 2025, 12:15 AM) Thanksgiving travel is underway, a San Antonio councilwoman avoided a license suspension, and Paris Baguette has made its local debut. View on X
- @News4SA (November 21, 2025, 1:15 PM) A gunman who shot a woman in the face remains on the run; additional updates cover a North Side shooting and the aftermath of a San Pedro raid. View on X
- @privateofficer (November 21, 2025, 1:41 AM) A woman was rescued and a suspect detained after an early morning kidnapping in San Antonio ended with a SWAT raid. View on X
- @News4SA (November 20, 2025, 1:15 PM) A flood watch is in effect through Friday morning due to heavy rain and storms approaching San Antonio; other updates include a SWAT raid at a motel and gang member arrests. View on X
- @KENS5 (November 20, 2025, 3:00 PM) San Antonio police and SWAT conducted a raid at a northwest-side Motel 6, rescuing a victim and taking a suspect into custody. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Police Seek Driver in Fatal West Side Hit-and-Run
Severe Flooding Strikes South Texas Following Intense Storms
Multiple Injuries Reported in Head-On Collision in San Antonio
Elon Musk Announces Expansion of Tesla’s Robotaxi Fleet in Austin
Lawsuit Alleges Tesla Model 3 Design Flaws Caused Fatal Crash
San Antonio Man Arrested for Mail Theft from 80 Victims
San Antonio Community Seeks Justice in Drive-By Shooting Case
VIA Bus Collision Results in Minor Injuries in San Antonio
143 Arrested in Major Federal Operation Against Crime Groups in San Antonio
Car Burglaries Surge at San Antonio Shopping Centers
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar 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 Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
