On June 4th of this year, 50-year-old Galveston resident Gerilyn Weberlein struck two bicyclists in the 3200 block of 69th St.  One of the cyclists that was struck suffered several broken bones and other injuries; however, the other cyclist received catastrophic injuries and despite treatment, died the following morning.  On the night of the crash, Weberlein showed signs of intoxication on the scene and was arrested for Intoxication Assault.  Galveston Police also obtained a warrant for her blood that evening and as a result, submitted said sample for testing.  After testing the sample, the Texas Department of Public Safety Lab showed Weberlein’s blood alcohol content as .103 at the time the sample was taken, which was several hours after the accident.  As of this time, Weberlein has been charged with both Intoxication Assault as well as Intoxication Manslaughter.

 
                     Look                          Ward

As Officers with Galveston Police Department’s Crash Team investigated Weberlein’s actions before the collision, it was discovered that she had spent several hours at the Island Pier Club (1700 block of Ave O) consuming alcoholic beverages.  Investigators obtained surveillance video from inside the bar showing the entirety of Weberlein’s stay there.  In the video, Weberlein can be seen presenting several signs of being highly intoxicated including spilling drinks, being visibly unbalanced and unsteady on her feet and needing other bar patrons assistance to keep her from falling as she stood.  The surveillance video also shows that she left the establishment less than 15 minutes before the crash on 69th St.   

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (101.63) prohibits a “person from selling an alcoholic beverage to an intoxicated person.”  In the surveillance video, two bartenders are seen serving Weberlein after she appears to be intoxicated, 34-year-old Shafay Look and 56-year-old Jon Ward.  Due to Weberlein being served by both subjects well after presenting clear signs of intoxication, both Look and Ward have been arrested and charged with the offense of “selling an alcoholic beverage to an intoxicated person”, with bonds set at $7,500.00.  This offense is classed as a general misdemeanor by the Alcoholic Beverage Code and carries a fine of up to $500 and up to a year in jail.

CPT J. Schirard #397

Operations Bureau Commander

Galveston Police Department