TABC Arrest Store Clerk Connected to Fatal Motorcycle Crash

AUSTIN — The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has arrested and charged a Center Point woman with illegally selling alcohol to an intoxicated man accused of causing a fatal July 18 motorcycle wreck that left four people dead near Kerrville.

Ranelle Diane Welch, 37, turned herself into Kerr County authorities on August 6 following a TABC investigation. Welch is charged with Sale to Certain Person, which is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine. She was later released on a $2,000 bond.

Welch was working at a Dollar General store in Center Point around noon on July 18 when she sold beer to Ivan Robles-Navejas, 28, of Center Point. Investigators believe Robles-Navejas was already intoxicated when Welch sold him the alcohol. A short time later, Robles-Navejas was involved in a collision between his vehicle and members of the Thin Blue Line Motorcycle Club, who were riding in a group on Texas 16. According to investigators with the Department of Public Safety, Robles-Navejas' vehicle crossed the center line, hitting 11 motorcycles and killing three riders at the scene. A fourth rider died of his injuries several days later. The Thin Blue Line Motorcycle club is comprised of active and veteran peace officers as well as supporters of law enforcement.

State law prohibits the sale of alcohol to any person who exhibits signs of intoxication at the time of sale.

"This is an extremely tragic case which may have been avoided if this individual was prevented from purchasing additional alcohol beverages prior to the crash," TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. "TABC will hold accountable all businesses and employees who may have contributed to this case by illegally selling alcohol. We're grateful for the support of the Department of Public Safety, whose investigators were instrumental in assisting TABC agents in identifying the source of the alcohol in this case."

The case remains under investigation.

Media Contact:
Chris Porter
Public Information Officer
(512) 206-3462