Deputy Lorenzo Bustos Killed, Deputy Michael Skinner Injured in Smith County Car Crash on Frankston Highway

Smith County, Texas (July 30, 2022) – According to the authorities, a Smith County deputy was killed, and another deputy was injured early Friday morning in a DWI crash in Smith County.

The fatal crash happened around 12:50 a.m., July 29, on Frankston Highway, approximately a mile south of West Grande Boulevard.

Authorities said Deputy Lorenzo Bustos, 29, was working a traffic stop with another deputy, Michael Skinner, 39, and had pulled over their patrol vehicle with its emergency lights on, and two people were handcuffed in the back.

Skinner was sitting in the passenger seat, working the radio and computer while Bustos was standing several feet behind the vehicle.

Twenty-five minutes after the initial traffic stop, a speeding vehicle driven by an intoxicated driver hit Bustos and the patrol vehicle.

The impact pushed Bustos all the way under the patrol vehicle. He was taken to a Tyler hospital, where he later died.

Skinner was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

The driver who hit Bustos, 21-year-old Daniel Nyabuto of Grand Prairie, was arrested and charged with intoxication assault, which Smith said will be upgraded to intoxication manslaughter. He was taken into custody, booked in Smith County, and moved to the Gregg County Jail. His bond was set at $750,000.

The passenger in Nyabuto’s vehicle also was arrested and charged with public intoxication.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

To speak with an attorney  Click to call: 281-943-5555.