What do we know about George Alvarez, accused of running over 18 migrants in Brownsville, Texas?

On Monday, police in Brownsville, Texas, identified George Alvarez as the driver who hit a group of pedestrians in front of a shelter for migrants and homeless people.

As local police chief Félix Sauceda explained, Álvarez is a 34-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record, which has now added eight counts of involuntary manslaughter and ten others for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after hitting more than a dozen people with a car.

Alvarez's criminal record includes assault on a senior citizen, assault on a public servant, vehicle theft, criminal mischief, evading arrest, driving while intoxicated, interference with public functions, and drug possession, among others.

According to Joseph Humire, a global security specialist, George Alvarez is probably part of the Tango Blast gang, "the fastest growing gang in Texas". The specialist pointed out that the fact would demonstrate "the sovereign border disintegration".

How was he arrested?

According to authorities, Alvarez attempted to flee the scene after the accident, but several people managed to restrain him until police arrived to take over. The man has not cooperated with authorities, so it has not been ruled out that the crash was intentional. However, toxicology reports and other details of the investigation are still forthcoming.

Brownsville police investigator Martin Sandoval assured that the suspect will be kept in the hospital while it is discovered precisely what happened. Once he is released, he will be transported to the city jail.

Victim claims there were insults before the crash

A Venezuelan immigrant claims he was sitting on the sidewalk when a pickup truck drove toward him and a group of immigrants. Shortly before the collision, a woman passed by, warning them to separate and leave the area. Shortly after, a man approached them, gesturing and insulting them before running them over. However, Sauceda said there was no way to validate whether Alvarez actually did such a thing.