Suspect who crashed vehicle into group of migrants in Texas, killing 8, identified as George Alvarez

Alvarez killed at least eight and injured 10 others when he drove his vehicle into a group of migrants who were waiting at a bus stop outside of a Catholic charity that acts as a shelter for migrants. All of the victims that died were immigrant men from Venezuela, according to police.

Brownsville Police Chief Felix Sauceda said during a press conference on Monday that Alvarez has been arraigned on eight counts of manslaughter and 10 charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. Law enforcement remains investigating whether or not Alvarez crashed his vehicle intentionally.

Local authorities told reporters they believe the attack was intentional.

"The SUV ran a red light, lost control, flipped on its side, and struck a total of 18 individuals," Chief Sauceda said, who revealed that Alvarez attempted to flee the scene but was immediately constrained by bystanders until law enforcement arrived and took him into custody.

Alvarez was also injured during the crash but was transported to the hospital and released into custody.

According to police chief Sauceda, George Alvarez has an extensive criminal history with charges that include: two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of assault against the elderly or disabled, four counts of assault causing bodily injury to a family member, one count of assault of a public servant, two counts of burglary of a vehicle, one count of assault causing bodily injury, two counts of criminal mischief, one count of driving while intoxicated, one count of evading arrest detention, one count of interference with public duties, one count of obstruction or retaliation, one count of possession of marijuana, three counts of resisting arrest, and one count of property theft.

Alvarez's bond has been set at $3.6 million and he will remain in custody as he awaits trial, police say.

The incident occurred around 8:30 am on Sunday in Brownsville, Texas which is located directly across from Matamoros, Mexico along the US/Southern border. The location is a popular entry point for immigrants seeking to get into the United States.

This tragedy comes as the United States has experienced a mass influx of illegal immigrants flooding into the US due to the Biden administration's open border policies.

Illegal crossings have increased in recent months in anticipation of the looming expiration of Title 42, a Trump-era policy that expels illegal immigrants over health concerns. The policy expires on May 11.