Published: July 17, 2008 11:17 pm      

Huntsville residents killed in street racing accident

Two young Huntsville residents were killed in Montgomery County Wednesday when their car struck a tree during an illegal street race.

According to Department of Public Safety Sgt. Kenneth Hiebert, Joseph Pueyo, 21, and Antonio Guevara, 19, were traveling on Farm-to-Market Road 149 in a 2000 Infinity when Pueyo lost control of the vehicle.

The vehicle left the roadway and struck a tree, and both Pueyo and Guevara were killed on impact.

“About two miles north of Montgomery, two cars, including an Infinity and a 2005 Toyota, were racing,” Hiebert said. “They came upon a slower vehicle on a curve which was also a no-passing zone. The area was marked, but both vehicles passed the slow vehicle, and that was when the accident occurred.

“The driver of the Infinity lost control, causing his vehicle to leave the roadway and strike a tree while it was sliding sideways. Both the driver and the passenger were killed on impact.”

The Toyota, occupied by driver Jose Martinez, 21, and Damian Vallez, 20, also left the roadway and hit a group of bushes and a sign.

Neither Martinez nor Vallez received any injuries when their vehicle left the roadway.

“The Toyota just skidded off to the side as it was traveling on the curve,” Hiebert said. “It struck a marker sign and hit some bushes, but no one was injured in that car.”

According to Department of Public Safety Trooper Tim Gage, Martinez was arrested and charged with racing on a highway, while Vallez has not been formally charged.

Gage said the Montgomery County district attorney would be looking into the incident further to determine if Vallez would be facing charges in the future.

“Martinez was arrested [and charged with] racing on a highway,” Hiebert said. “That offense, if it causes serious bodily injury, is a second degree felony.

“Since another person involved was killed, this would be a second degree felony charge.”

According to a representative from the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s office, the punishment for a second degree felony could include confinement for two to 20 years in prison and an optional fine not to exceed $10,000.

Hiebert said alcohol did not appear to be involved in the incident.

Gage will be continuing accident investigations, and additional information will be available as the investigation continues.