Report: South Texas deputy arrested for DWI while driving sheriff-owned vehicle

Austin police arrested Hipolito Hinojosa Jr., a Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy, on a charge of driving while intoxicated on Thursday. Hinojosa has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending an internal investigation, Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra said in a Facebook post. less Austin police arrested Hipolito Hinojosa Jr., a Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy, on a charge of driving while intoxicated on Thursday. Hinojosa has been placed on administrative leave without pay pending an ... more Photo: Austin Police Department Photo: Austin Police Department Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close Report: South Texas deputy arrested for DWI while driving sheriff-owned vehicle 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

A Hidalgo County Sheriff's deputy charged with drunken driving in Austin was pulled over in a vehicle owned by the sheriff's office, according to a news report.

Hipolito Hinojosa Jr. has resigned from the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office following his Dec. 10 arrest, news station KGBT reported.

Hinojosa — while driving the sheriff-owned black Ford truck — almost hit another vehicle while switching lanes without signalling at around 12:15 a.m. on Dec. 10, according to an arrest affidavit.

"The driver of that car hit their brakes and had to swerve into the #1 lane to avoid a collision," the affidavit reads.

RELATED: SAPD officer suspended for 'want to kill people and not go to jail?... I love my job' Facebook post

After an officer pulled him over, Hinojosa said he drank six 12-ounce draft beers before getting behind the wheel, according to the affidavit.

Hinojosa then blew a .142 during a preliminary breath test, the affidavit said.

RELATED: Texas trooper arrested for allegedly offering $300 for sex during traffic stop in San Antonio area

Hinojosa had been placed on administrative leave without pay prior to his resignation.

Two other Hidalgo County deputies have been arrested on alcohol-related charges in recent weeks, Hidalgo County Sheriff J.E. "Eddie" Guerra said in a Facebook post. Both deputies are no longer employed by the sheriff's office.

jfechter@mySA.com

Twitter: @JFreports