Update: A fatal encounter at an Austin intersection has led to an arrest, officials said. Suspected driver Tyrone Thompson was apprehended after a subsequent crash, with authorities now linking him to the earlier incident that tragically claimed the life of one pedestrian and left another critically injured.
The deadly event unfolded on a street corner in Downtown Austin when the driver allegedly struck two pedestrians before fleeing. Austin Police later identified and subsequently detained Thompson on unrelated charges, he was slapped with "Crash Involving Death" charges for the downtown crash, as per the City of Austin. The victim, who was fatally injured, was identified as Cody Jordon Shelton.
The incident in question took place in the early hours of March 12 and involved a dark gray Mazda that hit the pedestrians at the intersection of East 7th Street and Red River Street. One pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, while the second was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the City of Austin.
This tragic accident is recorded as Austin's 13th fatal crash this year, tallying up to 13 lost lives – a sobering contrast to last year's 20 by the same date. Those with information about the crash are encouraged to reach out to the APD's Vehicular Homicide unit or to leave an anonymous tip via the Capital Area Crime Stoppers Program.
