Christmas Day Hit-and-Run Leads to Arrest

A Christmas Day hit-and-run accident near Schulenburg led to a drug arrest near Hostyn.

According to a report from Fayette County Sheriff Keith Korenek, deputies responded to a hit-and-run on Interstate 10 near Schulenburg. Deputy Colin Godmintz later located a blue 2005 Chevy pickup matching the description of the vehicle in the hit and run.

Godmintz stopped the vehicle near the Hostyn Cutoff on US 77 south of La Grange. The report said Godmintz observed open alcohol containers and drug paraphernalia inside the cab. The report said Godmintz also observed the odor of burnt marijuana inside the vehicle.

Godmintz detained the suspect and Deputy Marc Bennett arrived to assist. The deputies conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle. The deputies found body damage on the vehicle consistent with the reported hit-and-run accident, the report said. The report said the deputies also discovered marijuana and additional drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle.

The deputies arrested the driver, 27-year-old Fransisco Ortiz, for possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. The report said Ortiz was an undocumented immigrant currently residing in New Caney.

The deputies were assisted by Texas State Trooper Darrell Kolek.