Driver of Wrong-Way DWI Crash Had Open Fireball Whiskey Bottle

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A 34-year-old man was arrested over the weekend in El Paso, Texas for driving while intoxicated on the wrong side of Transmountain Road and causing a crash. According to an arrest affidavit, the man had an open bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey in his car at the time of the incident.

Why it matters

Driving under the influence of alcohol poses a serious threat to public safety, and this incident highlights the need for continued enforcement and education around the dangers of drunk driving. The presence of an open alcohol container also raises concerns about the driver's level of impairment and disregard for the law.

The details

On Saturday night, 34-year-old Fili Alberto Garibay was driving a 2018 BMW 330i the wrong way on Transmountain Road (Loop 375 mile marker 19) when he crashed into a 2016 Chevrolet Spark around 9:30 p.m. Garibay then allegedly tried to flee the scene but was held by bystanders until authorities arrived. When police searched Garibay's vehicle, they found an open bottle of Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey. Garibay agreed to perform field sobriety tests but later became non-compliant and aggressive. A breath test showed his blood alcohol content was 0.207, over twice the legal limit.

• On Saturday, February 4, 2026 around 9:30 p.m., the crash occurred on Transmountain Road in El Paso, Texas.

What’s next

Garibay was booked into the El Paso County Downtown Jail and charged with DWI and having an open alcohol container. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system.