CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Opening arguments in the trial of Brandon Portillo, the man accused of causing the accident that killed a Corpus Christi police officer in 2020, began Thursday morning in the 94th District Court.
Portillo faces one charge of intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer, and two counts intoxication assault of a peace officer.
It was back on Jan. 31, 2020, when police arrested Portillo following the crash that killed CCPD Senior Officer Alan McCollum.
At the time of the crash, McCollum and his partner, Officer Michael Love, were responding to a call for racing along SPID. While the officers were stopped near Kostoryz Road, a truck smashed into the police unit, killing McCollum and injuring Love.
According to an arrest report, Portillo was found getting out of the truck at the scene and '"did not seem concerned or aware of what had just happened."
When Portillo was arrested, the reporting officer said he smelled of alcohol, and his eyes appeared red and glossy.
The report goes on to state that a field sobriety test could not be completed because Portillo started to fall asleep. Portillo was transported to Doctor's Regional Hospital, where he reportedly stayed asleep and was snoring loudly. When Portillo woke up, he asked why he was handcuffed and couldn't contact his family. Officers told Portillo that he killed a police officer, and he allegedly went back to sleep.
Medical staff advised Portillo had a bleed in his spine, and he was transported to Bay Area. During the transport, Portillo opened his eyes and told the officers, "my life is over."
Police also found Portillo had been driving with a suspended license since July 31, 2019.
The COVID-19 pandemic put the trial on hold until Thursday morning.
3News will keep you updated as this trial unfolds.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Nueces County chief medical examiner arrested
- Texas Uber driver arrested after teen says he was kidnapped during ride
- Texas Attorney General's Office to preside over Joseph Tejeda trial, man accused of murdering Breanna Wood in 2016
- Rare sea slugs called blue dragons wash up near Bob Hall Pier
- Here's how you can watch 'Mean Girls' with one of the cast members at TAMUK
- Texas governor to bus migrants from border to Washington
- Rubber bales from WWII era wash up on Padre Island beaches
- Runoffs: Here are some things to keep in mind for upcoming elections in May
Want to send us a news tip?
Put your name and contact information below so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.
If you do not have a photo/video to submit, just click "OK" to skip that prompt.