AUSTIN (KEYE) — The driver of a semi-truck charged in the fatal 18-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 was under the influence of central nervous system depressants when he plowed through slowed traffic, according to an arrest affidavit.
Solomun Weldekeal Araya, 37, faces multiple counts of intoxication manslaughter following the Thursday night crash that left five dead, including two children, and 11 others injured.
According to the arrest affidavit, a detective and member of APD’s Impaired Driving Investigation Unit determined Araya was impaired by CNS depressants, which are known to “slow down signals sent between the brain and the body.”
Mr. Weldekeal Araya had droopy eyes, appeared drowsy, had slow and deliberate movements, appeared sluggish, and was acting very calm and relaxed given the circumstances of the collision,” the affidavit stated…