New Braunfels woman crashes into police cars on Interstate 35, charged with DWI

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — A New Braunfels woman was arrested early Tuesday morning for crashing into New Braunfels police vehicles on the side of Interstate 35.

New Braunfels police say two of their units were conducting a traffic stop on the northbound shoulder of Interstate 35 near Loop 337 at around 1:20 a.m. when a white Chevrolet Malibu struck the two patrol SUVs.

Police say no officers were hurt in the crash.

The driver of the car, 50-year-old Dena Welch, was also not hurt, however police say she appeared to have been intoxicated.  After a field sobriety test, she was taken to an area hospital for a brief evaluation and a blood search warrant.

She was arrested and charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

“This incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that officers face daily while on the job,” department spokesman David Ferguson said in a statement. “The New Braunfels Police Department would like to remind drivers that drinking and driving is not only against the law, it can be deadly. NBPD considers itself very lucky to not have two injured or deceased officers today. Drivers should also remember that when they see emergency service vehicles (like police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, TXDOT crews, and wreckers) with their lights flashing, they should slow down and change lanes.”