A report that was issued this week, indicates that the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is opening its own investigation into the alcohol-related death of Officer Alan McCollum and the injuries sustained by Officer Michael Love.
The accident that sparked the investigation occurred on February 1, on Highway 358 in Corpus Christi. Officers McCollum and Love, accompanied by a third unnamed officer, were conducting a traffic stop due to a vehicle that they believed was racing.
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During the stop, 26-year-old Brandon Portillo, who was later confirmed to be intoxicated behind the wheel, crashed into the officers and their cars.
The accident killed Officer McCollum and severely injured Officer Love, which consequently ended up in his extensive stay in the hospital.
Portillo is still currently being held in jail under a $1.5 million bond. He is charged with intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault, and driving with a suspended license.
The investigation that will be conducted by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission will be to determine where Portillo was prior to the accident.
If it is found that he was at an establishment that sells or serves alcohol, that establishment can be faced with fines and consequences regarding their state liquor license.
It is illegal for an establishment that serves alcohol to overserve to a customer who is exhibiting the signs of being intoxicated. If this is the case, the establishment and the server can be fined for their involvement.
It is also illegal for an establishment that only sells liquor, like a liquor store, to sell alcohol to an individual who is showing signs of intoxication already.
In both circumstances, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission can issue citations and fines which could also result in the suspension or revocation of the establishment’s liquor license.
The investigations are currently ongoing and information will be released as soon as reports are available.