Wylie ISD Bus Driver Arrested Following Fatal I-20 Crash
A school bus driver faces charges after investigators found him watching a video on his phone during a deadly accident.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Football
Police arrested Wylie ISD bus driver John Alexander De La Garza following a fatal collision on I-20 near Tye. Evidence indicates De La Garza was using his cell phone when his bus struck Matthew Joeckel.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights the severe consequences of distracted driving involving professional transportation providers. Authorities are now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident that claimed the life of the pedestrian.
John Alexander De La Garza is currently held in the Taylor County Jail on a $50,000 bond. He faces a formal charge of Collision Involving Death for his role in the fatal incident.
The players
John Alexander De La Garza
He is a Wylie ISD bus driver who was arrested following a fatal crash on I-20 near Tye.
Matthew Joeckel
He was the pedestrian who died after being struck by a truck and a school bus.
Wylie ISD
This is the school district that employed the driver involved in the fatal incident.
The details
Matthew Joeckel was initially struck by a truck and fell to the ground before being hit by the school bus driven by De La Garza. Camera footage from the bus shows De La Garza watching a video on his phone and stopping the vehicle for 30 seconds after the impact to inspect it.
Timeline
October 17, 2:45 a.m.: The initial fatal collision involving the pedestrian occurred.
October 22: John Alexander De La Garza was booked into the Taylor County Jail.
Legal Context
The charges align with the established Texas Transportation Code regarding vehicular incidents that result in fatalities. Prosecutors are currently evaluating how the use of mobile devices during the operation of a commercial vehicle impacts the legal classification of the offense.
Residents should remain aware of potential traffic delays or investigative activity in the vicinity of I-20 near Tye. The incident serves as a significant reminder regarding the risks of distracted driving on local thoroughfares.
The takeaway
Drivers of large vehicles carry an increased responsibility to maintain focus on the road at all times. This case underscores the catastrophic consequences that can result from even brief moments of mobile phone distraction.
Further reading
For more information on school district operations and safety standards, visit Football.
