The Garland Police Department is investigating a tragic incident that occurred just before 10:30 PM on March 5, involving a driver who fled from officers and jumped into Lake Ray Hubbard.
According to police, a Garland officer was patrolling the area near East I-30 Highway and Bass Pro Drive when he observed a vehicle driving suspiciously on the eastbound service road. The officer saw the vehicle stop in the roadway and begin reversing, prompting concerns for the driver’s welfare. When the officer activated his emergency lights to investigate, the driver fled eastbound on I-30.
The driver drove erratically, swerving across all lanes of eastbound I-30, and then exited the highway. Upon stopping, the driver ran from the vehicle and officers before jumping from a bridge into Lake Ray Hubbard. The vehicle continued moving and collided with a barrier, coming to a stop.
Officers reached the area and observed the driver in the water. The Dallas Police Department’s water rescue team and the Rowlett Police Department were called to assist. The driver’s body was recovered from the lake and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The deceased driver was identified as 30-year-old Jose Andrew Ybarra of Mt. Vernon, Texas. This incident remains under investigation by the Garland Police Department.
