Car crash causes natural gas leak

A one-vehicle accident on Boca Chica Boulevard that caused a natural gas leak early Friday sent a Brownsville woman to jail on charges of driving while intoxicated.

Brownsville police responded at 5 a.m. to the 2100 block of Boca Chica Boulevard after a 2003 Ford Escape being driven by Maribel Ruiz struck a natural gas line, said Brownsville police spokesman Eddie Garcia.

When officers attempted to speak to Ruiz, they detected a strong odor of alcohol on her breath and she had blood-shot eyes, according to a police report.

She was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated.

Boca Chica Boulevard was closed for about two hours while crews repaired the natural gas line, Garcia said.

Ruiz’s bond was set at $2,000.

Border Patrol nabs sex offender

U.S. Border Patrol agents reported arresting a 22-year-old man Thursday wanted by Brownsville police on charges of failing to register as a sex offender.

David Rodriguez, who was convicted in February 2005 on two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a minor and subsequently given a 10-year probated sentenced, had not registered as a sex offender. Nor had he reported to his probation officer since February 2006, Brownsville police spokesman Eddie Garcia said.

Several attempts were made to locate Rodriguez, which were unsuccessful, he said. A warrant for Rodriguez was obtained sometime this year.

“Thursday afternoon police officers responded to the U.S. Border Patrol station located at 1124 Central Blvd. in reference to Rodriguez being detained,” Garcia said.

About 3 p.m. Thursday U.S. Border patrol agents patrolling the area of Lincoln Park noticed Rodriguez getting into a parked Ford Explorer and arrested him.

Rodriguez’s bond was set at $20,000.

Police briefs were compiled by Brownsville Herald reporter Jose Borjon.