SAN BENITO, Texas — Bond has been set at $500,000 for a tractor-trailer driver accused of texting while driving during a fatal crash in San Benito, according to Cameron County jail records.

Fernando Gonzalez Altamirano, 39, a Mexican national, was arraigned on a charge of criminally negligent homicide following the Saturday crash that claimed the life of 70-year-old Lorenzo Guajardo, of San Benito.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that Altamirano was driving a Kenworth tractor-trailer southbound on FM 1421 behind Guajardo’s Chevrolet Aveo around noon. Guajardo slowed down to make a left turn onto Road 233, when Altamirano failed to control his speed, rear-ending the vehicle.

DPS investigators stated that Altamirano was texting and driving at the time of the crash, according to the initial investigation. Guajardo was transported to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

Altamirano remains in custody at the Cameron County Jail as the investigation continues.