SAN ANTONIO – Eric Perez, 21, and Matthew Espinosa, 18, were arrested Saturday in connection with the theft of a Chevrolet Camaro involved in a deadly crash on Interstate 35 last month that claimed five lives.
According to arrest warrants, both men face charges of burglary of vehicles, a misdemeanor offense. Perez is also charged with unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a state-jail felony. Espinosa faces an additional charge for failing to identify himself to authorities.
On Sunday, Perez posted bond at $12,500, while Espinosa was released on a $5,000 bond.
Surveillance footage from July 15 allegedly shows the two suspects driving the stolen Camaro and burglarizing a second vehicle at a restaurant on San Antonio’s Southwest Side. Court documents reveal that Perez used a tool to pry open a Ford truck’s driver-side door and stole a handbag before fleeing in the Camaro.
The truck owner reported that a Gucci bag containing cash, bank cards, and personal documents was taken.
Just two days later, the stolen Camaro crashed into a small bus towing a trailer, killing five people, according to San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
During the investigation, officers found a black wallet inside the Camaro containing bank cards and ID belonging to the truck’s owner.
As of Sunday, SAPD has not released further updates, and it remains unclear whether additional charges will be filed.
